About U.S. Paralympic Team

U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and promoting excellence in the lives of people with physical and visual disabilities. 

Since its formation in 2001, U.S. Paralympics has been inspiring Americans to achieve their dreams.  Through education, sports programs and partnerships with community organizations, medical facilities and government agencies, U.S. Paralympics is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people with physical and visual disabilities every day.

Addressing an Urgent Need
Today, there are more than 21 million Americans with a physical or visual disability.  In the past few years, thousands of military personnel have sustained serious injuries during active duty.  Research shows that daily physical activity enhances not only and individual's self-esteem and peer relationships, it also results in increased achievement, better overall health, and higher quality of life.  However, despite these findings, most individuals with physical disabilities do not have the opportunity to participate in any regular sports activity. U.S. Paralympics is working hard to address this important national issue. 

The Paralympic Sport Club program brings together community sport organizations across the country to help expand local program opportunities for people with physical and visual disabilities, as well as raise the profile of Parlympic sport on a national level.  More than 130 communities now boast a Paralympic Sport Club and the goal is to have 250 clubs in American cities by 2012.