Paralympic Dreams

Tom had a passion and vision for developing a paralympic team here in Alaska and was chosen as one of the 12 coaches for the 2005 National Paralympic Academy August 15-18, 2005. (Colorado Springs). I remember Tom coming back totally stoked and inspired from this experience.

National Paralympic Academy
Hosting Student Athletes--By Beth Bourgeois
August/September 2005
Thirty student-athletes with physical disabilities have been selected by U.S.Paralympics,a division of the United States Olympic Committee,to attend the 2005 National Paralympic Academy August 15-18 in Colorado Springs,Colo. Additionally,12 coaches were named to work with the youth during the experience. The National Paralympic Academy is a biennial event designed to recognize excellence in local Paralympic sport programming.This celebration of sport brings together student-athletes (ages 12-18),coaches and program directors from Paralympic organizations across the country to share best practices, discuss Olympic and Paralympic ideals, and to be inspired by Paralympians facilitating the Academy programs. Attendees will also participate in sports clinics,competition and educational seminars. The National Paralympic Academy is a great opportunity to introduce children with physical disabilities to Paralympic sport,”said John Register, Paralympic Academy manager and two-time Paralympian.“By working directly with Paralympic athletes,these students will learn what they’re capable of achieving athletically and, ultimately, increase the number of children with physical disabilities who participate in health and wellness programs in their home state.” Student-athletes were selected to attend the 2005 National Paralympic Academy based on their essays themed “What Ability Means to Me.” The submitted compositions were judged by Paralympic Academy state partners and national Paralympic organizations. Coaches and program directors were chosen by U.S. Paralympics based on their history of success in conducting Paralympic sport programs for youth.
The Paralympic Academy is a three-tier program with state, national and international components. State Paralympic Academies are hosted by sport organizations in each state that specialize in Paralympic programs. The national Paralympic Academy occurs in odd-numbered years at the U.S.Olympic Training Center, while the international Paralympic Academy is held at the Paralympic Games in even-numbered years.