“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.