Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games is the second largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games. Immediately following the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games are held in the same venue. This summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Beijing, China.
The Paralympic Games features events for athletes from these physical disability groups: amputees, cerebral palsy/traumatic brain injury/stroke, spinal cord injuries, visual impairment, and "les autres", which includes other musculoskeletal and congenital anomalies such as dwarfism.
U.S. Paralympics leads the preparation and selection of national Paralympic teams for 24 sports. U.S. Paralympic athletes go through rigorous training year-round to prepare for their respective events. They are the best of the best, who through determination and hard work, earn the honor of representing the United States on the competitive playing field at the Paralympic Games and international competitions.
U.S. Paralympics
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and promoting excellence in the lives of people with physical disabilities.
Since its formation in 2001, U.S. Paralympics has been inspiring Americans to achieve their dreams. Through education, sports programs and partnerships with community organizations, medical facilities and government agencies, U.S. Paralympics is making a difference in the lives of thousands of physically disabled people every day.
Today, there are more than 21 million Americans with a physical disability. In the past few years, more than 20,000 military personnel have sustained serious injuries during active duty. Research shows that daily physical activity enhances not only an individual's self-esteem and peer relationships, it also results in increased achievement, better overall health and higher quality of life. However, despite these findings, most individuals with physical disabilities do not have the opportunity to participate in any regular sports activity. U.S. Paralympics is working hard to address this important national issue.
For more information about U.S. Paralympics, please contact them at the following addresses:
U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Paralympics Division, One Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs CO 80909
United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), U.S. Olympic Committee member, is a non-profit organization that provides training for blind and visually impaired athletes for competition in nine sports. USABA members range from blind children developing sports skills to elite athletes who train for competitions such as the Paralympic Games, which draws more than 4,000 physically disabled athletes.
For more information regarding U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) please contact them at the following addresses:
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes 33 North Institute Colorado Springs CO 80903