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U.S. Paralympics and Paralyzed Veterans of America Partner to Create Handcycling Program for Injured Military

03/06/2009 by Leave a Comment

A grant from the U.S. Paralympic Military Program, a program of U.S. Paralympics’ designed to assist in the rehabilitation process for injured service men and women, will help support the partnership at the four locations as well as provide equipment and coaching and training support. U.S. Paralympics and the PVA will collaborate with local, community-based organizations and medical facilities in each of the four cities to help implement and sustain the programs.

“The USOC and PVA, through collaboration with Paralympic, community-based and Veteran organizations, are continuing to seek the most effective, efficient and impactful strategies to provide rehabilitative services and physical activity at the community level to those injured while serving,” said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, USOC.

“Research continues to show the importance and impact of daily physical activity and mentors in a successful rehabilitation process that focuses on a return to an active lifestyle in communities throughout the U.S.”

“Paralyzed Veterans and U.S. Paralympics are groundbreaking leaders in the field of disabled sports,” said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., national president of Paralyzed Veterans. “A core mission of our organization is to provide sporting and recreational programs that improve the quality of veterans’ lives. Our members benefit from the camaraderie and physical improvements that result from effective sporting programs. Through partnership with U.S. Paralympics, we expect that more disabled veterans will advance their rehabilitation through sports.”

The first program kicks off in San Diego, Calif. on April 9th with Invacare – Top End and Paralyzed Veterans providing a handcycling clinic and product tour. Participants will be coached by Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Sanchez (San Diego, Calif.) and Paralympian Matt Updike (Denver, Colo.).

Beth Bourgeois, U.S. Paralympics – (719)866-2039 or beth.bourgeois@usoc.org

Geoff Hopkins, Paralyzed Veterans – (202) 416-7736 or geoffh@pva.org

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USOC Names Craig Griffin Associate Director of Paralympic Cycling High Performance

11/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

In this role, Griffin will direct the training and competition preparation of the U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Team, a group that won fourteen medals at the recently completed 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing under his leadership as head coach.

Paralympic cycling includes road and track disciplines for athletes with physical and visual disabilities riding standard bicycles, tandem bicycles, racing tricycles, and handcycles.

Griffin will lead U.S. Paralympics athlete identification and development efforts in cycling, and he will coordinate closely with new efforts being instituted by USA Cycling, the National Governing Body for the sport of cycling, to build participation in Paralympic cycling competition through USA Cycling clubs and programs.

“I am thrilled for this new opportunity,” said Griffin. “This is an exciting change that will allow us to build on the foundation of the current U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Team program as well as develop a sustainable athlete identification and recruitment program.”

Griffin brings 20 years of Olympic and Paralympic coaching and program administration experience to his new role with U.S. Paralympics.

He served 11 years as USA Cycling’s National Coach, including at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, where he led U.S. athletes to 48 Olympic, Pan American, World Championship and World Cup medals.

He has served as Head Coach of the U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Team since 2002 through the USOC’s partnership with Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. of Colorado Springs.

“Griffin brings a wealth of results and passion to our Paralympic cycling program,” said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, U.S. Olympic Committee. “USA Cycling and the USOC are making a commitment that will allow Craig to focus 100% of his expertise to building Paralympic cycling in the U.S.”

“As we work collaboratively to enhance Paralympic cycling in the United States, Griffin will be an integral key to its success,” said Steve Johnson, chief executive officer of USA Cycling.

“His vast experience, knowledge and vision for the future of Paralympic cycling – from the grassroots level to the elite level – will allow continued growth in our Paralympic cycling programs.

Prior to becoming a coach, Griffin, who is a citizen of New Zealand, earned the title of Road Race Champion in 1985 and was a member of the 1986 Commonwealth Games Team.

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Debut 2008 Paralympic Games Highlights Show

10/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

“NBC and GE’s broadcast of the 2008 Paralympics provides all Americans an opportunity to be introduced to some outstanding performances and amazing role models that represented the U.S. at the 2008 Games,” said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, U.S. Olympic Committee. “The fact that NBC and GE are airing this show on network television also speaks to the growing importance and value of the Paralympic movement in the U.S.”

The NBC Sports’ Paralympic special features an in-depth look at some of the top U.S. Paralympic athletes as they trained for and competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. The documentary, produced by Emmy Award-winning NBC Sports producer David Michaels, takes viewers on a journey into the lives of eight athletes plus the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team with compelling stories of determination.

Complementing the NBC Sports special will be a Universal Sports broadcast presentation of the 2008 Paralympic Games. Beginning Monday, November 10 and continuing through November 16, the network will air four hours of Games highlights each night from 7-11 p.m. Eastern Time.

The 28 hours of coverage will include both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Paralympic Games.

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Jeff Skiba Makes History in Paralympic High Jump

04/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

“The seven foot barrier is one of those magical markers like the four-minute mile that represents a very select ‘club’ of incredible athletes,” said Troy Engle, Associate Director and Head Coach, Paralympic Track and Field.

“The fact that Jeff has joined that elite group, as a Paralympian, I can only describe as Beamon-esque – it is a feat of athlete prowess the likes of which has rarely been seen!”

In his second attempt, with both the crowd and his competitors rooting for him, Skiba cleared 2.15 meters (7 feet ½ inch) beating his previous world record of 2.10 meters (6 feet 10 ¾ inches).

“It has been my goal for the past few years to become the first amputee to clear the seven foot mark,” said Skiba “It felt great to see years of hard work pay off.”

The height is an unofficial Paralympic world record because the Asuza Invitational was not an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) sanctioned meet. Skiba will try repeating his feat and qualifying for the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, June 12 – 15, at the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Trials – Track & Field, held at Arizona State University, Tempe Ariz.

For additional information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, U.S. Paralympics, at (719)866-2039 or beth.bourgeois@usoc.org.

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Jeff Underwood as Chef de Mission for 2008 Paralympic Games

04/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

“Jeff Underwood is an outstanding representative of the Paralympic Movement and our nation as Chef de Mission for the 2008 Paralympic Games,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “His continued leadership has impacted the lives of thousand of persons with physical disabilities in the United States and around the world.”

Underwood has served as president of Lakeshore Foundation since 1991. Lakeshore Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides fitness, sports and recreation programs to individuals with physical disabilities to help them live healthier, more active and independent lives.

During Underwood’s tenure, Lakeshore Foundation has grown to serve more than 3,000 individuals each year, has been designated as an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, and has implemented comprehensive programs serving our nation’s injured military personnel.

Lakeshore recently completed a $3.2 million renovation to its dormitories to enhance support for Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls training in Birmingham.

“It is an incredible honor for me to be named Chef de Mission for the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team,” Underwood said. “I think this is also a reflection on the work of the entire staff of Lakeshore Foundation and the commitment we’ve made to supporting America’s Paralympians as they prepare to compete on the world’s stage.”

Approximately 206 U.S. athletes will represent the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team for competition in 18 different sports.

In all, approximately 4,000 athletes from 136 countries are expected to compete.

Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities through fitness, recreation and athletics. These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills. For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, U.S. Paralympics, at (719) 866-2039 or beth.bourgeois@usoc.org.

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Arizona or Bust! 2008 U.S. Paralympic Trials

04/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

The track at Arizona State University should prove to be great training ground for athletes, as it was recently resurfaced with the exact materials used to build the track that athletes will be racing on in Beijing. It is the only track in the U.S. with the same surface.

“We’re excited about going to the greater Mesa/Tempe area for a number of reasons,” said Troy Engle, Associate Director and Head Coach, Paralympic Track & Field.

“First and foremost, we have great confidence in the local organizing committee – Arizona Disabled Sports and the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities. They have shown a strong commitment to making this our best event ever, and after attending the Desert Challenge, we have great confidence that they’re going to put on a fantastic event – both for the elite athletes and spectators.”

The competition is expected to draw over 200 athletes with a physical disability from all over the world.

Athletes who meet the minimum qualifying standards will be eligible to compete in

the Trials. These standards, as well as additional information about the competition, are available online at www.2008ParalympicTrackTrials.com.

The competition program is scheduled to include events that will be contested at the 2008 Paralympic Games, with the exception of the marathon.

Early registration opens on May 1 and closes on May 27. Late entry deadline runs through June 9.

Arizona Disabled Sports and the City of Mesa’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program work in collaboration to provide year round sports training and athletic competition to youth and adults with physical disabilities in and outside of Arizona. Further information can be found by visiting www.arizonadisabledsports.com.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, U.S. Paralympics, at (719)866-2039 or beth.bourgeois@usoc.org.

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Nate Tauzer: A Swimmer’s Stroke on Obstacles

02/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

I remember doctors telling my mom I might never walk. I think back at the eight weeks of intense training that it took to get here. A buzzer sounds – my mind goes blank except the thought- “go fast”.

I am Nate Tauzer, a home school kid who has mild cerebral palsy. I graduated from high school in 2006. That summer between high school and college was going to be different: no work, no worries; just sit back and dream about college in the fall. After one week I was bored and spending most of my life on a computer game. My summer and my life were about to change with one phone call from my former swim coach and counselor, Pat Riser. “Nate I have seen you swim and think you could qualify as a Paralympian.”

The Paralympics are like the Olympics but are designed for people with physical disabilities. In eight weeks, the Pan Am games were being held in San Antonio, Texas where the best swimmers from around the world, mostly from U.S., Canada, and Mexico would compete and also to be classified as to what level of you may compete as a physically challenged athlete. In order to qualify for the meet, I needed to swim 34 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle at an approved US A Swim Meet.

I had not swum for about a year. My first official time was 54 seconds in the 50-meter free. I needed 20 seconds to drop in seven weeks. I train hard and I drop 5 seconds but still have 49 seconds to drop. By the sixth week and only 2 more weeks to go I swim it in 35 seconds. My last meet is the Junior Olympic Meet held in Davis CA.

It is record breaking heat and an outdoor pool. The temperature is 113 degrees, poolside is 122 degrees and the pool water is 91 degrees. Of course, my event is at 3:15 PM one of the last events. I have to make 34 seconds or I won’t qualify. I swim 34:34 my best but not close.

My team decides to let me swim in the 400 freestyle relay replacing one of their best swimmers giving me one last chance. I still cannot make the time. Phone calls begin flying and the organizers decide to let me come and compete so I can be at least classified.

I am on my way to San Antonio. As I walk on to the deck of the huge indoor Olympic pool, I see the usual array of towels clothes and swim gear. But piled among the debris were prosthetic feet arms, legs, wheel chairs canes and other unrecognizable pieces of paraphernalia.

There was a man who looked as if he was swimming upside down at first glance until I realized his foot was connect back wards to his leg. Another man swam with only one arm, another with no feet or hands, and a woman with no limbs at all. I cannot stop myself from thinking “What the heck am I doing here?”

Sure my legs hurt but I have all my arms and legs and I walk without a cane or the use of a wheel chair. It is hard to imagine that I deserve

to be classified with people who have overcome so much to be here.

I show up to my classification time 5 minutes early and wait a half an hour. I finally went in with my mom who was my official manager and met the four assessors. Each individual who is assessed has an assessor from their own country and 3 more representing 3 other countries. They are all medical professionals; generally doctors or physical therapist with training in working with physically challenged athletes.

They had me wave around my legs, arms and hands and I was thinking that maybe they were trying figure out which ones were fake. They put me in the pool to swim for about 20 minutes and then went to decide about how to classify me. The classification is on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the most disabled and 10 the most able bodied. There are 3 parts: the first number is your freestyle classification, second number is breaststroke and the third number is IM.

IM is the lowest number on your classification. I was shocked and actually a little mad when I was handed my classification of 9.8.8. My mom was slightly relieved that they could classify me and sad that I really was classified as disabled. It was the classifiers turn to be shocked when I asked why I was classified so low. Most competitors want to be classified as low as possible to have to best advantage in competition.

I was so insulted when they told me it was my coordination level that lowered my score. I asked, “Do you mean you think I am uncoordinated?” My new buddy who lost his leg to bone cancer at 14 and has a classification of 9.9.9 teased me ” You’re more disabled than a one legged man.” I was now embarking on one of the most important journey of my life.

I am now training at an elite level to make the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing China When I begin to struggle I remember:

USE WHAT I HAVE, NOT THAT WHICH I HAVE MISSING.
Send us your comments to nathasha@audacitymagazine.com .

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“No Limits” on Sports For Children

02/06/2008 by Leave a Comment

TAMPA, Fla., February 13, 2008 – - On Saturday, February 16th, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa will be hosting the “No Limits” sports event in conjunction with Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department Blaze Sports Club and the Paralympic Academy-Beijing Tampa Bay at the Hillsborough County All People’s Life Center complex located at 6105 E. Sligh Avenue.

The event will begin at 9:00 am and is scheduled to conclude at 3:00 pm.

All physically challenged youth, age 6 and older who may use an orthosis, prosthesis, or a wheelchair will participate in this fun and informative event.

Local instructors, hospital representatives, and former and current Paralympians will be on hand to coach and encourage our patients. Sports clinics will be offered in the areas of: wheelchair basketball, adaptive tennis, boccia, power wheelchair soccer, weight lifting/training, table tennis, field events, hand cycling, adaptive karate and dance.

We are also offering an open panel discussion for parents and a resource library.

In addition, participants between the ages of 12-18 will have the opportunity to “Win a Trip to Beijing” as a part of the Paralympic Academy-Beijing educational program traveling to Beijing, China for the 2008 Paralympic Games.
More information please contact Jamie Parker.

Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 813-972-2250 x 7642
Fax: 813-975-7127

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Archery World Championships

10/06/2007 by Leave a Comment

Ten athletes will represent the U.S. at the 2007 IPC Archery World Championships, Oct. 5-9 in Cheongju, Korea.

The team, coached by Randi Smith (Salt Lake City, Utah), features five athletes who are members of the 2007 U.S. Paralympics Archery Elite Team.

Three of those Elite Team archers competed at the 2004 Paralympic Games – Lindsay Carmichael (Lago Vista, Texas), Jeff Fabry (Tulare, Calif.) and Kevin Stone (Kodak, Tenn.).

“The team is in great shape,” Smith said. “They know what they came to do and they are ready to do it. I anticipate strong performances from our athletes.”

The U.S. earned one gold medal at the last IPC Archery World Championships, which took place in Massa-Carrara, Italy, in 2005. Fabry came away with the gold in the men’s W1 Recurve after breaking five world records in the qualifying round.

Those records have since been broken, but Fabry reclaimed four of them (30m, 50m, 60m and total score) at this year’s National Championships in Colorado Springs. Teammate Joe Bailey (Flushing, Mich.) also broke a world record over the summer, setting a new standard at 70m in the men’s open compound class at the 2007 Endeavor Games in Edmond, Okla.

Results from the 2007 IPC Archery World Championships will be available at www.usparalympics.org, as well as the official event website, www.ipccheongju.org.

2007 U.S. Paralympics Archery World Championships Team

Joe Bailey (Open Compound, Flushing, Mich.)
Eric Bennett (Open Compound, Glendale, Ariz.)
Lindsey Carmichael (AR3 Recurve, Lago Vista, Texas)
Jeff Fabry (W1 Compound, Tulare, Calif.)
Karl Keranen (W3 Recurve, Silverado, Calif.)
Chuck Lear (W1 Compound, Lee’s Summit, Mo.)
T.J. Pemberton (Open Compound, Moore, Okla.)
Kevin Stone (W2 Recurve, Kodak, Tenn.)
Janice Walth (Visually Impaired, Lodi, Calif.)
Russell Wolfe (W2 Recurve, Williamsburg, Va.)

Head Coach: Randi Smith (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Assistant Coach: Paul Miller (San Diego, Calif.)
Assistant Coach: Michael “Skip” Dawson (San Antonio, Texas)
Assistant Coach: Courtney Walth (Lodi, Calif.)
Athletic Trainer: John Nyland (Louisville, Ky.)
Team Administrator: Kimberly Carrick-Bartkowski (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

For more information, contact Marvin Olberding at (719) 866-2045 or Marvin.Olberding@usoc.org.

About U.S. Paralympics:
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader of the Paralympic sports movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Web site at www.usparalympics.org

Filed Under: Sports, Wheelin' and Dealin'
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