Disabled Sports USA

I love coming across videos like this because what you see is the power of the human spirit, and the willingness of people to help others improve their outlook and their lives.

“Disabled Sport USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.”

Take a look at the video, and if you feel inspired, you may want to take a look at the Disabled Sports USA web site.

Disabled Sports USA from Shannon Falter on Vimeo.

Paragliding in a Wheelchair – an Ultimate Thrill Soon To Become Reality?

Have you ever dreamed of floating through the sky in your wheelchair? Soon this might very well be possible thanks to the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. Work has begun on a special chair that allows any wheelchair-bound person to independently take up the sport of paragliding. How cool is that?

This amazing wheelchair underwent its first test last week carrying an able-bodied person and initial tests look very promising. Hang gliding in a wheelchair opens a whole new world for people with mobility disabilities.

Moreover, nothing really prevents a person using a wheelchair from participating competitively alongside an able-bodied person because everyone is equal when “hanging” freely in the sky.

You can check out the entire story at the Deseret News site.

The 2010 Winter Paralympic Games Are Almost Here

The 2010 Winter Olympics have ended, but there are still plenty of Olympians in Vancouver waiting for their chance to compete – the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games are set to begin on March 12.

Featuring Ice Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair Curling, Alpine Skiing, the Biathlon, and Cross-Country Skiing, the Winter Paralympics will have just as much competition, grit and drama as the Winter Olympics, and even more inspiration. Take the amount of time and commitment it takes to become an Olympian, and now multiply it by the guts and drive it takes to do so while also battling a disability and you’ve got the essence of a Paralympian.

Disabled World has an exhaustive selection of information about the Paralympics, and a ton of great news can be found at the official site for the 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Good luck to all the inspiring athletes!