OHIO SUPERCROSS RIDER TONY GALLO (#520) AND SPONSOR INFORCE TECHNOLOGIES HARNESS HORSEPOWER TO HELP PARALYZED RIDER STEPHEN BARRINGTON (#314) WITH “STAY STRONG” FUND RAISER AT A1 RACE ON JANUARY 8TH.
CLEVELAND, OHIO, DECEMBER 29, 2010 – When Ohio Supercross Pro racer Tony Gallo climbs on his Honda CRF450R at Anaheim stadium (A1) on January 8th, he won’t be racing alone. Gallo will be donning the “Stay Strong” patch to honor fellow Ohio rider Stephen Barrington (#314) who was paralyzed during a practice crash on October 10th in Dennison, Ohio. Tony and his sponsor, Inforce Technologies, are leveraging the event to bring awareness to Stephen’s’ condition and provide an opportunity for fans and athletes to support him in his recovery efforts.
Barrington, a rising amateur in the Ohio Motocross circuit, wiped out going head over heels on a high speed section of Beans Bike Bark while racing in early October. Stephen crushed his T-5 vertebrae and partially broke his T-4 and T-6 vertebrae’s. He underwent emergency surgery that evening with surgeons fusing and screwing the vertebrae together with rods from his T-2 to T-8. Stephen, 24, who remains paralyzed from the crash, started occupational and physical therapy within 2 weeks of the accident and his family says he is manically focused on his recovery with an unwavering positive attitude.
Brian Mackenzie of Inforce Technologies, an avid race fan and rider, as well as sponsor of pro racer Tony Gallo, learned of the fellow Ohio riders’ injury last month and knew he wanted to help. “Our goal at A1 is to raise awareness of Stephen’s recovery efforts and the Benefit Fund that has been established to assist the Barrington’s with program costs. No amount is too small, and both fans and athletes who are able, and would like to contribute, can participate in this very worthy cause for Stephen.”
“Anaheim 1 will come and go, but if I can help Stephan's journey with his recovery by bringing attention to his need for support, then that will actually make a lasting impression. Kevin Cozadd of MXers for Jesus has been a true role model and inspiration to me over the years. Through his ministry, and a strong faith in the Lord, I have come to realize that my racing is only a vessel that can be used to bring not only enjoyment to others, but can make a difference in someone’s life.” pro racer Tony Gallo said.
As part of Stephen’s rehabilitation process, he will begin care at the SCI-Step rehabilitation program in Cincinnati, Ohio in early February. Sci-Step is a nationally recognized out-patient rehabilitation program for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Contributions will be graciously accepted on race day with all donors receiving the Stephen Barrington (#314) “Stay Strong “racing patch. Additionally, all those who would like to make a contribution can do so via a dedicated PayPal account at www.pitracer.com. Both Tony and Brian look forward to meeting new friends and supporters at A1 on January 8th, participating in a great day of racing, and serving a wonderful cause.
For more information visit: www.inforcetechnologies.com or www.tonygalloracing.com
