Wisconsin Resident Chosen to Compete in 2006 Paralympics
La Crosse, WI – Dave Conklin, United Spinal Association member and Paralympian, will be will be representing the United States with the 2006 Paralympic sled hockey team in Torino Italy from March 10th through the 19th. Conklin is one of 534 athletes from 41 countries expected to compete in 58 medal events before an estimated 250,000 spectators.
Conklin, a 51 year-old La Crosse, Wisconsin resident, is a defensemen for the U.S. National Sled Hockey team and has played on every U.S. sled hockey team that has competed internationally. He also served as U.S. team captain at the 1998 Nagano Games in Japan. 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 last appeared at the Paralympics at the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games in Utah, where they went undefeated and won the gold medal.
Sled hockey is an adaptive version of ice hockey and was introduced at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympics. The game generally follows International Ice Hockey Federation (IFC) rules, but 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 Paralympic sports and to promote 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.