Robert M. Hensel

Robert Michael Hensel (May 8, 1969 [http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA40&lpg=PA40&lr=&sig=n9HrYRxiO8psFVgGdFPub6uJZ2g&id=GTOxdW1X-ogC Celebrity Birthday Directory, 5th edition, page 40] ] ) was born with the birth defect known as Spina bifida, and campaigns to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. He is also a Guinness World Records holder for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6.178 milescite news
last = O'Toole
first = Catie
title = A Ride Into The Record Book; When It Comes To Wheelchair Wheelies, The Ultimate Can Be Found In The City Of Oswego
publisher = Syracuse Post-Standard
date = 2003-10-02
format=Fee required
url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-108454472.html
accessdate = 2008-04-07] . As part of setting his record, he raised money for wheelchair ramps throughout Oswego, New York, his hometowncite news
last = Dowty
first = Douglass
title = Record Attempt Must Wait; Robert Hensel, Of Oswego, Hurt While Practicing To Break His World Mark For Wheelchair Wheelie Distance.
publisher = Syracuse Post-Standard
date = 2005-09-29
format=Fee required
url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-136865546.html
accessdate = 2008-04-07] .

In 2000, realizing the need to focus more on one's abilities and less on their disabilities, Hensel sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilitiescite news
last = Pierie
first = Jennika
title = Poet's Idea Catches On; Beyond Limitations Week, Recognizing The Disabled, Is Inspiration Of Oswego Writer
publisher = Syracuse Post-Standard
date = 2001-10-01
format=Fee required
url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78814269.html
accessdate = 2008-04-08] . Due to his efforts, Oswego County passed a motion that year recognizing Oct. 1-7 as Beyond Limitations week.

Awards and Honors

*State of New York Executive Chamber Certificate of Commendationcite news
title = Oswego City Man Noted For His Advocacy Work
publisher = Syracuse Post-Standard
date = 2004-09-17
format=Fee required
url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-122208751.html
accessdate = 2008-04-08]
*Guinness World Record Holder
*Spokesperson for Athletes for Hope [ [http://www.athletesforhope.org/afh-roster.html Athletes for Hope Roster] ]
*2008 Go Fast Sports & Beverage Athletecite news
last = Yablonski
first = Steve
title = Local Man Sets Out On World Record Quest
publisher = Oswego County Today
date = 2008-05-06
url = http://oswegocountytoday.com/fulton-home/headlines-fulton/fdn-headline-2/2008/05/06/local-man-sets-out-on-world-record-quest/
accessdate = 2008-05-13]

References

External links

* [http://wheelierecord.tripod.com Hensel's personal web site]
* [http://www.oswegony.org/ABOUT_famous.html Famous Oswegonians]
* [http://oswegocountytoday.com/fulton-home/headlines-fulton/fdn-headline-2/2007/12/07/believe-and-achieve-set-tonight-at-armory/ ‘Believe And Achieve’ Set Tonight At Armory] from Oswego County Today