Follow the torch for 2016 Summer Games!

www.rio2016.com/en/torch-relay-route

Follow the ceremonial torch on its journey from Olympia to Rio to open the 2016 Summer Games. Search schedule for special regional events planned to excite many Brasilians about world-class athletic competitions in South America next month. For instance, there will be 5 stops today and the same number tomorrow, enabling many to catch the enthusiasm for Rio2016!

[Photo: Rio2016.com]

 

 

[Photo: Rio2016.com]

WHO Travel Advice Regarding Zika Virus and Olympic Games

The World Health Organization previously issued a statement concerning international spread of Zika virus.  The statement outlines steps to mitigate onward spread of the Zika virus. It does not support cancelling or rescheduling Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games planned for Rio de Janeiro. 

(Excerpts)..."Brazil is 1 of almost 60 countries and territories which to date report continuing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes...The best way to reduce risk of disease is to follow public health travel advice.

WHO advises pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. This includes Rio de Janeiro. Pregnant women’s sex partners returning from areas with circulating virus should be counselled to practise safer sex or abstain throughout the pregnancy. Anyone considering travel to the Olympics should:

• Follow the travel advice provided by their countries’ health authorities, and consult a health worker before travelling.
• Whenever possible, during the day, protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents and by wearing clothing – preferably light-coloured – that covers as much of the body as possible.
• Practise safer sex (for example, use condoms correctly and consistently) or abstain from sex during their stay and for at least 8 weeks after their return, particularly if they have had or are experiencing symptoms of Zika virus.
• Choose air-conditioned accommodation (where windows and doors are usually kept closed to prevent the cool air from escaping, and mosquitoes cannot enter the rooms).
• Avoid visiting areas in cities and towns with no piped water or poor sanitation (ideal breeding grounds of mosquitoes), where the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is higher.

WHO/PAHO is providing public health advice to the Government of Brazil and the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, on ways to further mitigate the risk of athletes and visitors contracting Zika virus during the Games. An important focus of WHO advice revolves around measures to reduce populations of Aedes mosquitoes which transmit chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever in addition to Zika virus..."

For additional travel assessments from other public health agencies see:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assessment, published 26 May 2016:
  Read the assessment
• European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control, published 10 May 2016:
  Read more (PDF)

2016 Paralympic Track and Field Team Announced - 66 athletes will represent Team USA in track & field at the 2016 Paralympic Games. The 40 men and 26 women on the roster, in addition to three guides for visually impaired athletes, will compete in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from September 7-18 (Source: TeamUSA.org).


(Photo: Joe Kusumoto, 2016)

2016 Paralympics Swim Team Announced - 31 athletes, 21 women and 10 men will represent the USA in Rio during 2016 Paralympic Games.  Seventeen on the roster have Paralympic Games experience. Two are U.S. military service members. Twenty-five of these outstanding athletes are currently ranked in the top 10 in the world across 89 events

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games is expected to be the largest to date, with more than 4,500 athletes from 176 countries expected to compete (Source: TeamUSA.org).

(Photo: Joe Kusumoto, 2016)

Rewards of Volunteering with U.S.A. Paralympics

Volunteers are important to the success of USA Paralympic Sport! There are many roles which volunteers assume during meets and trials, including Athlete and Coach Credentialing, Hospitality Support, Media Support, Anti-Doping Support, Athlete Support, Timekeeping, Logistics, Cheerleading and Merchandise Support. USA Paralympic staff depend on conscientious volunteers who set-up facilities beforehand and break down afterward, provide information and directions about venue and accommodations to participants and spectators. Volunteers insure all participants check in for on-time arrival to compete, and keep time during heats.

Volunteers may transport assistive devices/equipment, enforce rules for Safe Sport that protect athletes, review rights and procedures with athletes selected for drug screening. Finally, volunteers listen and reassure anxious parents and athletes and graciously serve breaks and meals to officials and coaches.

Volunteers cite desire to share their talents and spirit with others. Many believe that by helping, one receives more than is given. THANK-YOU, Paralympic Volunteers! Your quiet work "behind-the-scenes" enables athletes to compete, striving for their personal best.

 “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give” 
--- Altoona (PA) Mirror, 1944.


 

[Photo: charlotte.citysearch.com]