Minnesota Resident Chosen to Compete in 2006 Paralympics
Plymouth, MN – Manuel Guerra Jr., United Spinal Association member and Paralympian, will be representing the United States with the 2006 Paralympic sled hockey team in Torino Italy from March 10th through the 19th. Guerra is one of 534 athletes from 41 countries expected to compete in 58 medal events before an estimated 250,000 spectators.
Guerra, a 39 year-old Plymouth, Minnesota resident and father of four, has been an influential member of the U.S. Sled Hockey team. Guerra contracted polio as an infant which affected the left side of his body. As a U.S. Paralympic goalie for the U.S. National Sled Hockey team since 1990; during the 2002 Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City he allowed only two goals in four round-robin games. Representing 15 of the best sled hockey players in the country, the U.S. team is composed of seven forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies. The team went undefeated at the 2002 Games and won the gold medal.
Guerra hopes to have the same success in Torino. “Salt Lake is a special place for many of our players. It’s a place some of us will never forget,” he says. “It is time, however, to turn the page and prepare for our next challenge.”
Sled hockey is an adaptive version of ice hockey and was introduced the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympics. The game generally follows International Ice Hockey Federation (IFC) rules, however, the players use two-blade sleds and two shortened sticks for pushing and shooting. In order to compete, players must have lower limb disabilities.
The 7-day competition will be hosted at Torino Esposizioni, 5 km from the Athletes Village in Torino. This venue consists of competition and warm-up rinks and seats 5,000, 450 of which are allocated for individuals with disabilities.
About U.S. Paralympics
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of all persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics website for more information.
United Spinal Association is a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities. The Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs, guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for the able-bodied. Membership is free and open to all individuals with disabilities of the spinal cord. For more information call our toll free number, 800-404-2898.