Do you know a future Paralympian?

Youth Challenge participant Alyssa will be testing her track and field skills at Gateway to Gold on July 13.

It’s the first step toward the podium for athletes with a physical disability or visual impairment and it’s happening in Cleveland on July 13.

Youth Challenge, a leading provider of adapted sports and recreation in Northeast Ohio, is honored to be hosting Gateway to Gold, a U.S. Paralympics talent identification day, on July 13 at 9 a.m. at Veale Fieldhouse at Case Western Reserve University. The event is aimed at discovering physically disabled and visually impaired athletes who could compete for Team USA at future Paralympic Games. It’s an opportunity for athletes to test themselves against national standards to see how they stack up as a future Paralympian.

Gateway to Gold will introduce youth, adults and military veterans with physical disabilities and visual impairments to the Paralympic sports of cycling, rowing, sitting volleyball, and track and field with the goal of identifying hopefuls for future U.S. Paralympic teams. Gateway to Gold participants go through sport specific tests and evaluations to determine if they are ready for the next level of opportunity in Paralympic sport.

“The U.S. Paralympic Team strives to be the best in the world. But we cannot get to the top of the podium without the help of our community partners like Youth Challenge,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “With Youth Challenge’s help in hosting this Gateway to Gold talent identification clinic, U.S. Paralympics might find the next great Paralympic champion in your backyard.”

For registration information, call Youth Challenge Director of Program Services, Chris Garr, at 440-892-1001 or email cgarr@youthchallengesports.com. Participation is free.

Kathy Rigdon

Media Specialist for Youth Challenge in Westlake.

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Volume 6, Issue 12, Posted 9:22 AM, 06.10.2014