Send-off, fundraiser for McPhee HOF trip
May 13, 2011 12:00 am
RUMFORD -- This Sunday, a send-off/fundraiser will be held at 49 Franklin for sports reporter Bob McPhee to cover expenses in June when he travels to Oklahoma to accept a national wrestling award for courage and to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame awards the Medal of Courage to a wrestler who has overcome insurmountable challenges. McPhee has spent most of his life confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak. He uses a device known as the "Liberator" to communicate and conduct interviews, covering sports for the Rumford Falls Times, for the Sun Journal and online for the Maine Wrestling Alliance.
Former wrestling coach and friend Steve Nokes said, "The event (to be held from 1-4 p.m.) is an open invitation to all, at no charge. We will have light hor d'erves. Donations are welcome but not necessary. We don't want anyone not coming because of donations. We encourage anyone that knows Bob to stop in, say hello and congratulate him."