United Spinal Association is pleased to remind you that the start of the IX Paralympic Winter Games is in two weeks. From March 10-19, 2006 in Torino, Italy, 534 of the finest athletes with physical disabilities—including United Spinal members—from around the world will come together for ten days of elite competition before an estimated audience of 250,000. Fifty-six U.S. athletes will represent the 2006 U.S. Paralympic Team, competing in 52 medal events in four different categories: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Sled Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.
The Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games also marks the inauguration of a new level of media coverage for Paralympic sports, establishing a unique opportunity for these athletes to connect with a worldwide audience. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched a global broadband web cast for the Torino Games that is jointly produced and managed by Narrowstep Inc., Brand Stage and IPC. The site will be a high-quality television channel, broadcasting 24/7 over the Internet. Viewers around the world will be able to watch the events live or delayed, as well as expert commentary and feature segments throughout the Games. For a taste of its capabilities, please visit www.paralympicsport.tv.
The games will be played at four different venues: Torino (Opening Ceremony and Sled Hockey), Pinerolo Palaghiaccio (Wheelchair Curling), Sestriere-Borgata (Alpine Skiing), and Pregelato (Nordic Skiing). Two fully accessible Paralympic Villages will be set up in Sestriere and Torino.
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 promoting excellence in the lives of all persons with physical disabilities. Please visit the U.S. Paralympics website for more information.
United Spinal Association is a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities. Guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for the able-bodied, the Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all individuals with spinal cord disabilities. For more information call our toll free number, 800-404-2898.
