Legacy

Yesterday we attended a program called the Ambassador program. This program’s agenda is geared towards helping US athletes create a positive image at an Olympic/Paralympic event. An important component of the Ambassador program is the concept of “Legacy.”

Legacy is huge for the Paralympics. The Paralympics have become part of the IOC charter, making it more of a funded/inclusive portion of the Olympic movement. Athletes in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics will have much greater world exposure than previous Paralympics. Paralympics are being involved in more advertisement efforts. Our Paralympian will have a greater chance to inspire athletes of all abilities to overcome their barriers (real and perceived).

Physical therapists can and should be on the front line of support. We are often times one of the first healthcare providers to come into contact with future Paralympians. I would encourage all physical therapists to check out the Beijing Paralympics. Learn their 20 games, learn how a person can become involved. Discover how they train and where they train.

The Paralympic legacy and movement is growing. It is a huge source of awe and inspiration.

The Kits!

Yesterday’s highlight was picking up the kit. “The kit” is a term frequently used by bicycle racers referring to their uniform or racing outfit. This being my first event of this magnitude, I didn’t know what to expect. I was greeted with a shopping cart and list on a clipboard. My job was to complete this scavenger hunt by gathering all the clothing items on the list.

As a staff member, I was to collect clothing for open and closing ceremonies, casual wear, and sport wear. Part of the process also included a trip past alterations, primarily for opening ceremony clothing. The clothing we collected was just like what you saw for the Olympics, however, they are monogrammed with Paralympics instead of Olympics.

By the time your scavenger hunt was all completed, your team clothes were packed neatly in a USA monogrammed suitcase for your use on the trip. The process was very well organized and everyone on staff at United States Olympic Committee (USOC) was incredible!

While leaving processing, I ran into a professional peer of mine, none other than George Davies, PT, from Wisconsin. He is also serving as medical support. George will be leaving for Beijing this coming Saturday with his sport group. Our track/velodrome cyclists will be leaving on Saturday as well. I will be staying in CS until September 3 with the road/hand cyclists. Their events aren’t until later in the games. We will all be over to Beijing for the opening ceremony September 6th.

Beijing, Here I Come

I received a phone call last Spring from a coaching who asked, “Do you want to go to Beijing for the Paralympics to support USA Cycling?” Trying to play cool, I gave the obligatory, “That sounds really great, but let me first check the family schedule.” While inner self only need about half a second to accept. After presenting the idea to my wife, she concluded, “I don’t see how you can’t go.” Great, Beijing, here I come!

The trip plan is basic. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs for one week to process and complete an athlete training camp and then the Beijing Paralympic games for two weeks. The Beijing Paralympic games run from September 6-15. You would think that leaving for the Paralympics would be super exciting and “can’t wait to be there,” but saying goodbye to my children and wife for three weeks was pretty tough. Going means I miss the beginning of school for my children, miss my daughter’s 9th birthday, the beginning of soccer season (I coach), and shutting the office down for three weeks. I have a new, small PT practice in Washington state (www.BikePT.com). I worked hard over the summer so as to allow the time away from the clinic.

Participation in such an event comes at a cost. A physician peer reminded me that “no great opportunity goes unpunished.” The honor and opportunity to attend a Paralympic event has been well worth the hard work to get here.

I left SeaTac airport in the late afternoon yesterday for Denver and then have a late connecting flight scheduled for Colorado Springs (CS). Athletes/coaches/staff arriving in CS are shuttled to the OTC. Guest athletes and staff stay in dorm-style living at the OTC. I hope to be settled by midnight as the team will be gathering for an early morning ride just south of CS. The OTC is located near the center of CS. The city streets are not easily negotiable for the hand cyclists. After lunch we will be assembling/collecting Team USA clothing.

My job at the Paralympics will be that of Soigneir for USA Cycling. The cycling athlete is supported by the following staff: coaches, bicycle mechanics and body mechanics or Soigneirs. The job of Soigneir was described in my contract as essentially helping the athlete to remember to eat/drink prior to, during, and after their event/training, perform performance body work, and assist in the administration as directed by coaching staff. This is loosely translated into a “do-everything-person.” The job of Soigneir is very demanding.

There will be several important links you might find of interest in support of the Beijing Paralympic games:

YouTube will be covering some of the events at www.YouTube.com/ParalympicSportTV.

The US Paralympic webpage, www.usparalympics.org contains links to participating US athletes and then the Beijing games themselves.

I look forward to sharing with you some glimpses into the great accomplishments of the Paralympians and their games…..Amazing Awaits!