NBA
Star Spencer Haywood Takes on Autism
Former
NBA star Spencer Haywood has endorsed the Benzer Autism Foundation. Haywood,
58,
is known for his successful fight in the 70s challenging NBA rules in the U.S.
Supreme Court resulting in teenage players gaining the right to enter the NBA
draft early before completing four years of college eligibility.
Haywood
was also the youngest player on the U.S. Olympic Basketball team, and he holds
the record for the most rebounds. Haywood says he understands the
importance of programs in another fight — efforts to address autism.
Autism
is a brain development disorder characterized by impairments in social
interaction and communication skills marked by restricted and repetitive motions
and behaviors.
Autism
affects every nationality, adults and children.
Haywood
has been named to the board of directors and will serve as spokesperson for the
Benzer Autism Foundation.
The
foundation is a newly formed nonprofit corporation established by Las
Vegas-based general contractor and philanthropist Leon Benzer. The focus is on
programs to benefit adults with autism who have lost their parents or
caretakers. Benzer is the parent of a young child with autism.
Benzer
said that although the government statistics state that only 1 in 150 children
have autism, the number could be higher.
“I know
some parents who hide the fact that their children have autism,” said Benzer.
Autism
is a hidden, many times misunderstood disorder that is misdiagnosed frequently
by medical practitioners advising low-income families, as well as the affluent.
According to Haywood, there are many families in denial
about autism.
“Until
families come out of denial and admit to the reality of this condition, we won’t find
a solution,” he stated.
He plans
to enlist the help of other NBA players to do fundraisers and outreach into all
communities for autism awareness.
According to Benzer, Congress passed a law allocating $1 billion for research;
unfortunately, only $68 million was approved.
Although
research is paramount, Benzer feels that action is needed now for the adults
that need help managing their lives. In many instances, adults with autism end
up in mental facilities and are treated incorrectly as mentally retarded.
Benzer’s
foundation also plans to implement interactive training programs to help
children, such as nature outings, sign language and other skill development
programs. For more information contact Benzer’s office (702) 891-9621.
Leon
Benzer, founder of the Benzer Autism Foundation
(Pictured above)
Professional Bull Riders in
Las Vegas
 |
|
The Professional Bull Riders World Finals press conference held at the
Mandalay Bay gave fans a lasting impression of the 45 riders that were
introduced. Justin McBride, the PBR points leader who had a shoulder
injury and a viral illness, said that nothing would stop him from
competing. McBride was in good spirits as he spoke about the sport of
bullriding and admitted that he never worked out physically until
recently when he had his injury.
Bull riders, however,
automatically get their share of exercising, running and riding. The
question here is whether McBride will get his second PBR professional
championship. |
The
points he built up winning a record eight regular session events doesn’t ensure
McBride the gold buckle and $1 million bonus that go to the world champion. It
takes a lot of coordination to hang on with each of the bull’s jumps and spins
until the rider falls off. And McBride’s shoulder injury will definitely have an
effect on him.
Adriano
Moraes, a native of Brazil who won his record third PBR world title last season,
is one of the stronger riders on the tour. Weighing in at 145 pounds, Moraes has
incredible muscle structure in his left arm, the arm he uses to hold the ropes.
“Our
riding arms are always a little bigger, a little stonger,” Moraes says.
Bull
riders are strong, but as one young buck puts it, “It’s half luck and half
skills,” states Guilherme Marchi.
The top
nine qualifiers behind Justin McBride are J. B. Mauney, Guilherme Marchi, Sean
Willingham, Paulo Crimber, Robson Palermo, Wiley Petersen, Matt Bohon, Kasey
Hayes and Adriano Moraes.
The PBR
final rounds are on Nov 4.
Great
Moments Expands Service
 |
For
nearly 30 years, the Great Moments Café in the Las Vegas Club in
downtown Las Vegas has appeased and delighted tourists from around the
world. Now, breakfast and lunch are added to its dinner service, and it
stays open until 2 a.m. |
There is
a new executive chef, Ava Broughton, who has traveled worldwide. Thanks to Chef
Ava, the menu is highly diversified and has that gourmet touch to every dish.
She also creates special made-to-order dishes for those special occasions.
The
chef’s motto is: To serve everything fresh with love and use only the finest
ingredients on the market.
Try the
Butterfish, New York Steak and Scampi, or for a hefty appetite, the Surf and
Turf, which is only $41.99. There is also Alaskan King Crab and the wonderful
French cuisine. Most dishes are moderately priced.
For
dinner party reservations or information, call (702) 385-1664.
