Senate Resolution No. 712
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Nick Springer, gold-medal
winning Paralympian, inspirational speaker and
devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding athletes who distinguish themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Nick Springer, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Nick Springer of Croton, New York, died on Wednesday, April
14, 2021, at the age of 35; and
WHEREAS, Born to Nancy and Gary Springer, Nick was an active and
fun-loving child who dreamed of playing hockey for the New York Rangers;
unfortunately, at the young age of 14, he contracted Meningococcal
Meningitis, and consequently, had both legs amputated above the knees
and both arms to mid-forearm; and
WHEREAS, Never one to quit or give up, Nick Springer continued to be
active, and quickly learned how to use his limbs in a different way; he
loved to swim and scuba dive and during high school, became involved
with wheelchair sports such as snowboarding, sled hockey and rugby; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Croton-Harmon High School, Nick
Springer continued to play Quadriplegic Wheelchair Rugby which was
documented in the 2005 documentary "Murderball"; and
WHEREAS, Nick Springer quickly became an international star, and was
a leading member of Team USA, helping them to capture six medals,
including gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and four World Cup golds;
at the 2012 London Paralympics, he and Team USA took the bronze after
falling to arch-rival Canada by one point in the semi-final game; and
WHEREAS, For more than a decade, Nick Springer lived in Phoenix,
Arizona, where he helped rebuild the Ability 360 Phoenix Heat wheelchair
rugby club team which went on to win three consecutive national titles;
and
WHEREAS, In May of 2010, Nick Springer earned his degree in
communications from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and
became a public speaker, using his charismatic good nature and personal
stories to motivate and persuade audiences about the power of sports in
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Nick Springer spent the last few years consulting with
Novartis, which was purchased by the international pharmaceutical
company GSK; in this capacity, he traveled throughout the United States
and across the globe, speaking to health officials, education
organizations, and others about the need for meningitis vaccination; and
WHEREAS, Through his tireless efforts, Nick Springer was
instrumental in passing legislation to support vaccinations against the
virus; and
WHEREAS, Nick Springer also served as a spokesperson for the
National Meningitis Association (NMA), which his mother helped found,
and Honorary Chairman of the NMA's annual gala, "Give Kids A Shot"; and
WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Nick Springer
continued to be actively involved with the Phoenix Heat and played
occasional tournaments with a Philadelphia team; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother, Nancy, Nick Springer is survived
by his father, Gary, and his partner, Elizabeth; one sister, Olivia
(Kevin); and one nephew, Jackson, as well as numerous other relatives,
friends and athletes who were truly motivated by his passion, kindness
and determination; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete and even better man, Nick Springer was a
renowned role model in the sport of wheelchair rugby; his character and
achievements stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who
would aspire to success; and
WHEREAS, Nick Springer was truly one of a kind; with a strong, yet
humble spirit, he excelled at everything he did, and never allowed his
disability to deter him from accomplishing his goals; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Nick Springer leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Nick Springer, gold-medal winning Paralympian,
inspirational speaker and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Nick Springer.
