Coral Springs residents have one extra reason to follow the Beijing Olympics in August: Adler Volmar.

Volmar, a Coral Springs resident, will represent the United States in the heavyweight division for judo (100 kg). It will be his second Olympics, after having represented Haiti at the 1996 games in Atlanta at the age of 19.

Volmar's is a story of courage and heart that refuses to accept defeat. He had a really good chance of being a part of the 2004 Olympics team, but tore two ligaments in his right knee during a training camp in Poland. He recovered in time for the Olympic trials, but couldn't make it any further.

Things were going according to plan for Volmar as he tried to make it to the team for Beijing, but disaster struck in January this year when he suffered an injury to his left knee during a workout with another member of the national team. With two shattered ligaments and a torn cartilage, the dream seemed over.

Volmar said it was his refusal to accept defeat that helped him recover quickly. "I did not recover until a couple of weeks before the trials," he said. "I am not 100 percent even now, but it is getting better. Everything is going well. The aim is to be ready for the big day."

Friends and supporters of the judo champ are organizing an event to raise funds for Volmar as he prepares for Beijing. A "Going for the Gold" party will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight July 12 at 24 Hour Fitness, 9800 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Coral Springs to raise funds for Volmar. The cost of admission is $20.

For more information, call 24 Hour Fitness at 954-755-1550 or e-mail Jane at jeds62@aol.com.

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Rinah Segal’s story is as much about a sickness that nearly took her life, as the music that is helping her get back on her feet.

The 26-year-old woman, who grew up in Coral Springs before moving to California, turned to music after contracting a mystery illness on a trip to Costa Rica. She was left so sick that many wondered if she would survive. Although she is still ill, Segal believes the worst is behind her now.

“I have met several doctors, but no one has been able to tell what exactly is wrong,” Segal said. “I had neurological symptoms like twitching, shaking and eye problems. I was so sick at one time that everyone thought I was going to die. Then, things turned around for some reason. I am still far from being healthy again, but I refuse to let that weigh me down.”

Working on music on days when she did not feel as sick, Segal wrote and composed song, before getting home recording equipment to record them in her own voice. She has finished working on the album.

"These are not sad songs," she said. "They are about hope. I don't know how to market it, but I will first give copies of the album to my family members and friends. People who want the album can e-mail me. I will give the money I make from people's donations to charity," Segal said.

To read more of Segal's story, read the April 24th Coral Springs Forum.

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