US soliders hurt in Iraq or Afghanistan combat will be provided sport training under two new programs revealed Friday, one of them aiming to boost the US medal count at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
The US Olympic Committee (USOC) will provide support for qualified elite physically disabled athletes at four Olympic resident training centers as part of the Veterans Paralympic Performance Program.
"This partnership also builds upon the character, dedication and skill of physically disabled veterans who are more interested in their abilities than their disabilities," US secretary of veterans affairs Jim Nicholson said.
The Beijing Paralympics will follow the Beijing Olympic Games on September 6-17, 2008. China topped the medals table at the Athens Paralympics followed by Britain and Canada.
"Our commitment to expand Paralympic activity ensures that veterans will have the opportunity to derive the benefits of sport participation while pursuing their dream of representing America at the Paralympic Games," USOC chief operating officer Norman Bellingham said.
A second program was announced in nearby Rockville, Maryland, at a medical facility where many US soldiers who lost limbs or sustained other major injuries in battle continue to be treated while recovering.
Disabled Sports USA's Wounded Warrior Project will include more than 60 clinics in alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, cycling, golf, canoeing, kayaking, scuba, rock climbing, water skiing, athletics and other sports.
Beyond basic instruction, the program has advanced levels to allow long-term participation. Some handicapped soldiers have become ski instructors and scuba divers while others are training to be Paralympians.
