2nd annual U.S. Paralympic Skiing Leadership Symposium Kicks Off This Friday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympic Division and Olympic University will host the 2^nd annual U.S. Paralympic Skiing Leadership Symposium, October 23-26, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Executive directors, coaches and athletes from winter programs across the country that focus on serving individuals with physical disabilities will come together to collaborate, network and share best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several sports, work with Paralympic athletes and actively participate in group panel discussions. The panels, consisting of U.S. Paralympic National Team athletes and coaches, will be a special opportunity for the participants to gain perspective on training, traveling and competing on the international level. Athletes and coaches will also provide insight into what lies ahead on the road to the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver.            

The Symposium will host 66 unique programs and 85 participants. Each individual will have the opportunity to investigate various leadership issues and explore ideas to promote the Paralympic movement.

"The individuals attending the Symposium devote so much of their time and resources to U.S. Paralympics," said Stacey Wooley, Associate Director of Winter Sports, U.S. Paralympics. "It is vital that we bring these people together so they can share their stories and collaborate on new ways to further the Paralympic movement."

Additionally, the event will feature educational programs on athlete advocacy, event planning, engaging the media and building relationships with corporate partners.  There will be sport demonstrations, including a dry land workout by the U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing National Team and attendance at a training session with the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey National Team at the World Arena. Overall, the U.S. Paralympic Skiing Leadership Symposium will provide an invaluable interactive experience for Paralympic program leaders and visionaries.