Olympics Blog

Category: Paralympics

Athletes not the only ones excited for Beijing

The 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team roster features more than 200 athletes who will compete in 18 sports at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, which begin Sept. 6. Athletes range in age from 14-56 years old and come from 37 states. Check out the complete state-by-state roster..

If you want the ultimate lowdown on each athlete, you can view individual bios on the U.S. Paralympics Web site, too.

U.S. athletes and staff aren't the only people headed to Beijing next month. U.S. Paralympics is also bringing 25 student-athletes and 14 coaches/community leaders to experience the Paralympic Games as part of the Paralympic Academy in Beijing. These individuals were chosen based on the leadership they show in their communities, involvement in physical activity programs and an essay they submitted on the topic, "What Ability Means to Me."

Participants receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Paralympic Games and will meet U.S. athletes, see the competition live and attend either Opening or Closing Ceremonies. This isn't just the experience of a lifetime, but also an opportunity to see the impact a physically active lifestyle can have on a person with a physical disability.

Read more about my quest in the Disabilities blog.