
Fund the Inspiring Film of a Special Olympics Gold Medal Win
Donation protected
We are Greg Di Roma and Jeffrey Cobelli of GDR Films and Good For You Productions.
Nearly 20 years ago, from February to March 2005, a Special Olympics floor hockey team from Westchester, NY, was given their biggest opportunity, a chance to compete in the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, representing the United States. A team from the special needs program, Northeast Special Recreation had played many great tournaments on the local and state levels, which earned them a spot to compete in these games. Many of these athletes faced numerous challenges throughout their lives, as well as going into the World Winter Games. These athletes were ready to do everything they could to achieve the ultimate victory of winning the gold medal. Teams were placed in divisions based on their performances in the preliminary rounds.
The first games were very challenging for Team USA; they lost the first few games before being placed in Division 10. This division placed them with teams representing the Isle of Man and Syria. They went undefeated in the division round, ultimately resulting in them winning the gold medal in the last game against the Isle of Man with a score of 9-4.
This was the biggest achievement these players had ever had. They were able to prove to themselves and the world what they're capable of and the impact of Special Olympics on people with disabilities and their families.
I (Greg) was one of the players on this team 20 years ago. Special Olympics helped me get out of my shell as a child and opened me up to many new experiences and friendships. Ever since these games, I've gone on to make the transition into playing ice hockey, and this experience has helped shape me into the athlete and man I am today. I have also become a filmmaker along the way, creating many films, including my award-winning feature documentary, Our Triumphant Holy Day.
During the trip, relatives of my teammates filmed a lot of footage of the games and the trip itself that would make for a great documentary of this experience.
We have many things ready, including our studio setup, interviews booked, and some footage obtained. We now are fundraising to complete this documentary and share this incredible story with the world. We are still in the process of obtaining more footage.
Any donation no matter how big or small will help us cover many of the expenses of making a film. Join us on the journey telling this story of the triumphs and challenges of this Special Olympics floor hockey team and their journey to winning the gold medal at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Organizer
Greg Di Roma
Organizer
Furnace Woods, NY