Justin FivellaThe star of the Oscar nominated documentary “Murderball” and captain of the U.S. quadriplegic rugby team, Mark Zupan will speak tonight after a free screening in the Chumash Auditorium. Doors open for the free show at 7:30 p.m. and Zupan will speak at 9 p.m. following the screening.
“Murderball” swept the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, where it won several awards, according to a press release. The film follows the fiercely competitive sport of quadriplegic rugby and the larger-than-life players that battle for gold medals in their gladiator-like wheelchairs.
The film focuses on Zupan, the team captain, and his fellow players of Team USA and their experiences in the full contact sport of Murderball.
“Murderball’ is the story of a group of indomitable, world-class athletes unlike any other shown on screen,” said Gina Knox, student supervisor on concerts, in a press release. “Mark Zupan is an amazing athlete and individual and will change everyone’s perspective on life.”
As a teenager, Zupan was left a quadriplegic after he was thrown from the back of a truck in a drunk driving accident. Steel-willed and determined, Zupan overcame the ordeal and in the process became active in the sport of rugby. Zupan is currently the captain of Team USA as well as its official spokesman.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the free event. Seating is limited.