2008 Paralympic Games

Day 1 - Sept. 7

2008 PARALYMPIC GAMES:  Danielle Fong Makes Paralympic Games Debut in Women’s R2-10m Air Rifle Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2008

BEIJING, China –Seventeen-year-old Danielle Fong (New York, N.Y.) made her Paralympic Games debut on Sunday, finishing in 19th place in the women’s R2-10m air rifle standing (SH1) event.  Fong scored 376 out of 400 possible points, which was not enough to qualify her for the final round of competition.

Fong, whose sister Sandra competed in shooting in the Olympic Games last month, was impressed with her first Paralympic experience.

“I did the best I could and now I’m ready for my next competition on Tuesday,” said Fong.  “It was an amazing experience; you can’t beat the facility, and everything was so cool.”

Fong is competing against women as much as 10 years her senior and U.S. coach Dan Durben (Spearfish, S.D.) said he was impressed with how his young athlete handled herself today.

“Danielle went out there with a plan and turned in a winning personal performance,” said Durben.  “While she didn’t advance to the finals, she was right in there with the best in the world.”

Fong competes in her final event, the R8-50m sport rifle 3 x 20 (SH1), on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall.

For more information, or to arrange an athlete interview, please contact Susan Katz at 139-1075-4845 (Dial 011-86 plus the local number if calling from the U.S.).