U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, has announced that Maggie Burke, a program coordinator for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, is one of six coaches and program leaders selected to attend the 2010 Paralympic Experience Vancouver, March 10-17, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada.
"This experience is an honor," said Burke, who is the program coordinator for Vermont Adaptive at Sugarbush Resort, one of three program locations. "To have the opportunity to travel to Vancouver and see the Paralympics first hand, meet some of the athletes and be a part of a global event for athletes who are disabled will be something I will remember and cherish forever. I am excited to get to know the student athletes and program directors that I will be traveling with. It's exciting to watch them develop in their own athletic careers while being able to bring some of the Paralympic Spirit home to Vermont."
The 2010 Paralympic Experience offers a very select group of 13 young student athletes with physical disabilities and a group of six coaches, program leaders and teachers to experience the Paralympic Winter Games firsthand. Participants have the opportunity to meet U.S. Paralympic Team members in addition to attending Opening Ceremonies and competition, gaining an insider's perspective on the Games.
"Less than five-percent of kids with physical disabilities participate in physical fitness programs," said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, USOC. "Paralympic Experience Vancouver provides us an opportunity to recognize those kids with physical disabilities and community organizations that promote physical fitness programs and health."
Student athletes were selected based on their video or written essay focused on how sport has positively influenced their lives. Coaches, program leaders and teachers were chosen from applications submitted which included a one-page essay describing their work with students with physical disabilities.
For more information about U.S. Paralympics and its programs, please contact the U.S. Paralympics office at (719)866-2030 or visit the Web site at www.usparalympics.org.
