Paralympic Sports

NRPA is part of the U.S. Olympic family! The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has formally recognized NRPA as a Community-Based Multisport Organization member. The USOC recognizes both the direct and indirect contributions NRPA and the park and recreation field have made to the Olympic and Paralympic movements. NRPA will continue our commitment to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the creation of opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and will work closely with the USOC to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship in support of programs for both elite athletes and the general American public.

The U.S. Olympic Academy is a program of the United States Olympic Committee that comprises education and outreach efforts. Working closely with the USOC to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship in support of programs for both elite athletes and the general public is a primary objective of this NRPA-USOC initiative.

NRPA Announces Recipients of 2009 Paralympic Grant Initiative to Support Adaptive Recreation for Injured Service Members

NRPA awarded $150,000 in grants to 12 park and recreation agencies in the U.S. to expand local community programs and opportunities for injured military personnel.  The twelve agencies, operating in ten states, will receive funds ranging from $6,000 to $25,000 for purposes, including but not limited to: adaptive programs and equipment, training and education of staff/program leaders, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for enhancing recreation experiences. 

The 2009 NRPA Paralympic Grant recipients are:

U.S. Paralympics

From its very inception, the Olympic movement has fused education with sports and culture to improve both the body and the mind. In pursuit of furthering these beliefs, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) recognized the alignment and synergies possible through engagement with NRPA and the parks and recreation movement.

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 disabilities. Key programs include:

• Paralympic Sport Clubs: Community-based sport clubs developed to involve youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities in sports and physical activity, regardless of skill level.
• Military Programs: Provide post-rehabilitation support and mentoring at the community level for American servicemen and women who have sustained physical injury.
• Paralympic Academy: The goal of the Paralympic Academy is to inspire students with physical disabilities, ages 12-18, along with the teachers and coaches, by introducing Paralympic sport and helping them discover what "ability" means.
  

Please contact Shelley O'Brien with questions at sobrien@nrpa.org.