"I MERELY TOOK THE ENERGY IT TAKES TO POUT AND WROTE SOME BLUES." - DUKE ELLINGTON
![]() My interest in Paralympic sports was sparked after viewing Murderball, a gripping documentary on the fierce athleticism of wheelchair rugby competitors. Earlier this summer, I spoke with Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, U.S. Olympic Center based in Colorado, about the paralympics movement in the U.S. Still in its infancy, the Paralympic movement has grown exponentially both in the diversity of sports venues and in the broad ranging disabilities of its athletes. The Paralympic games take place on the international stage every four years alongside the Olympic games, but disparities in funding exist. “Paralympians have the same struggles and challenges as Olympic athletes,” says Heubner. How can communities get involved in supporting U.S Paralympics? To directly support an athlete or team, the donation of funds can go toward coaching, travel, or training.
To promote athletics on a community level, the U.S. Paralympics sponsor sports clubs, which are designed to engage youth with disabilities in physical activity. Currently, U.S. Paralympics is partnering with community organizations across the U.S. to establish 250 sports clubs by 2012. Better yet, the London 2012 Paralympic games are less than 2 years away—no need to wait to take an interest. The U.S. Paralympic website is packed with news on each sport, progress of individual athletes, and up-to-date news on qualifying competitions en route to 2012. A look back to the 2008 NYT coverage of the Paralympic games offers a glimpse into the distinctive stories of athletes who competed, particularly the military servicemen and women who entered Paralympic sport through their rehabilitation. A recurrent theme came up in my conversation with Huebner, who asserted, “We see the healing power of sport every day."
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
I am a freelance writer whose work covers
a wide range of human-interest issues. My current areas of curiosity are stories on creativity, technology and health. My freelance projects include writing and social media consulting. Share This Website
Blog Topics
All
Health News LinksAble News
CNN Health Fitness and Nutrition Green Blog Health Care: NPR Healthy Minds: APA Science Times Shots: Health Blog The New Old Age Blog Well Blog Health NarrativesCopyrightNo part of this web site
or blog may be reproduced without written consent from the author. Reji Mathew, PhD - Writer © 2020 - All Rights Reserved. DisclaimerThe content and suggested links on this website- blog are for educational purposes only. They are not meant to substitute for advice from your health care provider. If you are in need of medical, therapeutic, or wellness care, please see a medical doctor or other qualified health care provider.
Pages Views |