The US team is focused on one dream…

Nicolas Dubes (FIPFA Communication Officer) : We’re only a few weeks away from the start of the 2011 World Cup, where you’ll be defending your title: how are all the players feeling?

Chris Finn (Head Coach of US National team): The team is feeling excited and looking forward to playing in the 2011 World Cup.

N.C. : Does it put a lot of pressure on you to be coming into the competition as favourites?

C.F. : The US National Power Soccer Team is focused on being the best team possible to win the World Cup again!

N.C : You’ve ended up in quite a tough group. Are you starting to get worried? Who do you think will be the teams to look out for during the World Cup?

C. F : The US team is focused on one dream, one mission and one goal, to win the World Cup.  To win the World Cup we will face one team at a time starting with Japan in our opening match.  We will be concentrating on one game at a time to play our best as a team against every opponent whoever that may be.  Team USA will be doing our best to prepare for every team because each country is coming to the World Cup with their best athletes wanting to win.

N.C. : It’s been four years since you won in Japan; looking back, how did this victory help with the development of powerchair football in your country, and the recognition you players received back home?

C.F. : One year prior to the 2007 World Cup the sport completely changed for the US and we quickly developed a style to win the tournament.  At the end of the final game I embraced and shared a moment with Jean Luc the coach of the French team.  While congratulating each other on a good match, we said not only was the World Cup a win for the USA, it was a win for powerchair football.  People did not believe that the US would win the tournament.  In life many people do not believe that people with severe disabilities have the ability to be employed, have relationships and live life like everyone else. Powerchair football and a successful World Cup tournament demonstrates that people with severe disabilities are able to achieve great things in sport and in life.  Powerchair football gives people a dream and goal to attain by believing that you are able to achieve anything you want to do as long as you believe and take action in what you do. My hope is that our victory has helped the sport develop around the world and that all people with severe disabilities will be more recognized in sport and in life for their abilities.