Session Schedule to be Released this Month
The complete session schedule for the 2009 Developing Amazing Leaders Paralympic Conference is set to be released this month. Session topics will include:
*Developing community programs
*Engaging injured servicemembers in your community
*Marketing & promoting your program
*Special presentations by Olympic University
*Much, much more!
Online registration is open now! Join us April 17-20 in Colorado Springs!
U.S. Paralympics Apparel On Sale!
U.S. Paralympics apparel is now available online!
Visit the U.S. Paralympics online store today!
Photo courtesy USABA
Judo Video Available from USABA
The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes has a new video available that shows how athletes who are blind or visually impaired can be integrated into judo classes with sighted athletes.
This is the first in a series of sports adaptation videos that are available to athletes, coaches, parents, educators and physical & recreation professionals to address barriers to participation that athletes who are blind and visually impaired often face.
The judo video can be viewed online and DVD copies can be obtained by contacting Ryan Ortiz.
Photo courtesy Action Sports Photography
Meet U.S. Paralympics’ Winter Sports Athletes
Bio pages for national team athletes in the sports of alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, wheelchair curling and sled hockey are now posted on the U.S. Paralympics Web site.
Learn more about these athletes as they start gearing up for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver!
Photo courtesy Tom Kimmell
Register Your Events in the Paralympic Activity Network
The Paralympic Activity Network is a place where community organizations can list their upcoming events and activities so that individuals with physical disabilities can find programs happening right in their own communities.
Get connected today!
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Paralympian April Holmes Helps Launch the Air Jordan 2009
Paralympic gold medalist April Holmes, a Team Jordan track & field athlete, helped Michael Jordan launch the Air Jordan 2009 in New York City this month. The design of the shoe is inspired by the carbon fiber prosthetic running technology used by Holmes and other Paralympic athletes.
A press release about the shoe stated, “The AIR JORDAN 2009 incorporates a new, innovative technology in basketball footwear called Articulated Propulsion Technology, or APT…Following the same basic form as the prosthesis Holmes wore during her gold medal 100-meter race for the 2008 Paralympic Games, the AIR JORDAN 2009′s APT allows the athlete to explosively and quickly propel forward on the court.”
An exclusive limited release AIR JORDAN 2009 launches on Saturday, January 31, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $230. The first nationwide launch coincides with All-Star Weekend, releasing on Saturday, February 14, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $190.
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Photo courtesy Jordan Brand/Nike
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Photo courtesy Joe Kusumoto
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Chicago Paralympic Development Program Launched
Chicago 2016, World Sport Chicago (WSC), U.S. Paralympics and ten partner agencies have announced the launch of the Chicago Paralympic Development Program. The program is the first of its kind in the country, and it aims to provide the visually and physically impaired with the expertise and resources needed to get involved in Paralympic sports. It will officially begin operation in February 2009.
At first, there will be an emphasis on cycling, judo and boccia. The three sports allow individuals with visual impairments as well as physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy to participate.
The agencies partnering with Chicago 2016, WSC and U.S. Paralympics include the Chicago Park District, Blaze Sports of America, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Maine-Niles Special Recreation, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Rockford Park District, Northeast DuPage Special Recreation, Western DuPage Special Recreation and Northwest DuPage Special Recreation.
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USOC Family Loses Two Champions
On January 2, the USOC family lost two members of the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team. Sailing athlete Nick Scandone (Fountain Valley, Calif.), 42, and swimmer Marin Morrison (Sammamish, Wash.), 18, each passed away after battling long illnesses.
“Nick and Marin both pursued excellence on the field of play. More importantly, they and their families pursued excellence in life and were outstanding role models for Olympians, Paralympians and all Americans,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “The U.S. Olympic Committee and all Olympians and Paralympians extend our deepest condolences to their families, and pledge to continue to carry their spirit forward to touch the lives of others, as they have so significantly touched ours.”
Scandone and partner Maureen McKinnon-Tucker claimed a gold medal in the SKUD-18 class at the Games last summer and Morrison competed in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-m freestyle and 50-meter backstroke events in Beijing.
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Photos courtesy Morrison Family and USOC
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Photo courtesy
Joe Kusumoto |
Wood River Ability Program Hosts Nordic Skiing Development Camp
Wood River Ability Program (Sun Valley, Idaho), a new member of the Paralympic Sport Club network, will be hosting a development camp for athletes interested in Nordic skiing.
The camp will be held February 1-6 and will include three days of on-snow instruction on the Blaine Country Trails and Sun Valley Nordic Center. Instructors for the camp include U.S. national team coaches, as well as Olympic & Paralympic athletes. Attendance is by invitation only.
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U.S. Paralympics Partners with Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
U.S. Paralympics, as part of its Paralympic Military Program, is partnering with the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to help enhance the recovery of injured Marines and Sailors through sports and recreation.
“Team Semper Fi” provides coaches, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees, and travel expenses for the wounded team members. As Team Captain, Dan Lasko states, “our hope is to motivate other injured Marines and Sailors by showing them you can still do incredible things.”
The team will participate in a variety of triathlon, running and cycling events this year and a complete schedule of events is available on the U.S. Paralympic Web site.
Eligible athletes interested in joining Team Semper Fi or participating in any 2009 events can contact Jeff Steffen for more information.
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Photo courtesy Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
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first game the Prep Flyers broke out to an early 17-5 lead at halftime as they cruised along to win 27-15. In the second game the Challengers came out with vengeance as they led 10-6 at halftime and looked good going into the 4th quarter with a 14-12 lead; however, the Prep Flyers came alive and went on a 12-0 run to win 24-14. *The Challengers were a little shorthanded this weekend as only 5 players of the 13 member team made the trip.
