Japan and China Cooperate to Host Games in Asia

TOKYO 2020 AND BEIJING 2022 COME TOGETHER IN SPIRIT OF OLYMPISM 

29 October, 2018

News from www.olympic.org

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ORGANISING COMMITTEES FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020 AND OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES BEIJING 2022 RECENTLY SIGNED A MOU pledging cooperation for outstanding summer and winter games.  

"The two Organising Committees will exchange knowledge via the IOC’s transfer of knowledge programme and through an exchange of personnel, as well as by sharing their experiences related to sustainability, Olympic and Paralympic education and the use of emerging technology.

In addition to sharing Games-specific information, Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 envisage promoting sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries, underlining the power of sport to bring cultures together in the spirit of friendship, excellence and respect." 

Beijing Vice-Mayor Zhang Jiandong commented, “This is a milestone event in the cooperation between our two organisations. We thank the International Olympic Committee for its strong support for the successful signature of this MoU. Both the Beijing 2022 Games and the Tokyo 2020 Games provide unique opportunities for promoting cultural exchanges and friendship between the peoples of China and Japan...I wish every success for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto added, “We are pleased to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding promoting cooperation between the two Organising Committees responsible for delivering consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games in East Asia. Based on this MoU, we will promote the exchange of knowledge between the two organisations as well as contribute to the promotion of cultural exchange, and we will proceed steadily with our preparations for successful delivery of the Games.”

Behind the scenes of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony

A photo collage gives impressions of life behind the scenes of televised Paralympic sport...
Our small group of volunteers has been in awe of the talented performers, production staff, planners, engineers, contractors, architects, landscapers, security detail, vendors, press corps, drivers, food service, hotel managers, housekeeping, maintenance and organizers of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
There is much to do by thousands of hearts and hands before athletes and coaches arrive for competition, insuring successful Games. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service, promoting Peace through Sport!

Volunteers and athletes board buses for transport to and
from functional areas and arenas

Korean police mounted and marching perform vital security service

Snow removal is a continuous process, insuring access and safety for all

Planners chose designers and artists to make Stadium Park come alive!

And more snow removal in Olympic Stadium!

Bandabi, the Asiatic black bear and mascot of
the 2018 Paralympic Games

Sooharang, the protective white tiger and mascot for 2018 Olympic Games

Serving meals to thousands of volunteers, security detail, vendors and
paid staff is a huge undertaking!

Determining where paralympians will be seated in
Level 2, Section D - our volunteer team!

Giving others a taste of Korean culture in the Stadium Park

Carved trees honoring nature displaced to build the
Stadium and Park 

 

Team D hamming it up after Opening Ceremonies with uber talented children's dance troop

Korean soldiers with Team D

Volunteer Team D meets expert light dancers!

Team D thanks wheelchair dancers for a splendid performance

Team D and performers in cast waiting area beneath the Stadium

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) posted outstanding Paralympic highlights of 2017. View top 50 moments in the Paralympic Movement 

For instance, Moment 48 is the Growth of Female Para-Sport:

According to the IPC, "2017 saw the first women’s Para ice hockeytraining camp held, as well as a wheelchair basketballcamp for women in Asia and Oceania...The training camp held in October in Chuncheon, South Korea, brought together 30 athletes and coaches from around the world, not just to work on skills but also find ways to increase the number of women playing the sport. Participants came from Armenia, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the USA...

Erica Mitchell, captain of the USA women’s Para ice hockey team, said: “In 2007, I had tried out to the men’s USA team and find out I could not play at that level because I was a female. We had nowhere to go so we ended up making a women’s USA team...This is definitely one of the best camps I’ve ever been to, and it is definitely going to put us in the right direction.”

Source: www.paralympic.org

Two Koreas -- Learning Before a Journey

I was fortunate to complete a short course offered by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of The University of Alabama (UA) College of Continuing Studies entitled, "Korea(s): History and Contemporary Challenges." The instructor, Adamu (A.K.) Shauku, is a former US Army Korean Intelligence Interceptor and translator and currently Professor of Political Science at UA. We explored the history of the Korean peninsula, providing context for the challenges that confront the Korean people today and the unique problem of North Korea in world politics.

www.spendlifetraveling.com

Students learned of the rich culture of the Korean people, influences on Korean life and politics from Shamanism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity. A.K. explained the meaning of key terms (e.g., Jeong, Nam, Chaebols), how past occupation of the peninsula by other Nations affects attitudes toward their neighbors and Western powers, and effects of post-war international sanctions. Students asked many probing and thoughtful questions indicating great interest in learning more about Asia -- a great experience for a Paralympic volunteer!

South Korea topography / wikimedia.org

What sports will be featured during 2018 Paralympic Games?

The 2018 Paralympic Games to be held 9-18 March, 2018 will feature exciting snow and ice sports, including Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard and Wheelchair Curling. 

For instance, Para Alpine Skiing debuted as an Olympic sport in Sweden in 1976 by injured veterans who wanted to practice their sport following WWII. Within this classification are Downhill, Super-G, Super Combined, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Athletes are classified into Visually Impaired (B1-B3), Standing (LW1-LW9) and Sitting (LW10-LW12) categories. 

A second Paralympic Winter sport is Para Ice Hockey. Fifteen athletes compete during three 15-minute periods with a time out between each period. Five players (two defensemen and three forwards), plus a goaltender may be on ice for play at one time. 

Spectators will gather in the Olympic Stadium in PyeongChang for opening and closing ceremonies; snow sports will be held in PyeongChang and Jeongseon Area. Ice sports will be held at Gangneung in Olympic Park and at Kwandong University. Planners have mapped routes for autos, express buses, shuttles and train, moving fans and athletes between venues. 

Identity of the Games - "The emblem symbolises a world open to everyone. It combines the image of ice and snow, winter sports stars (athletes), and people from all over the world, coming together in PyeongChang where heaven meets earth."

Paralympics Emblem

Countdown to Pyeong Chang and 2018 Winter Games

Anticipation is building for 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games hosted by South Korea
in three dynamic alpine regions, Pyeong Chang, Gangneung and Jeongseon beginning 9 February. 

Exciting new venues have been constructed to welcome athletes, coaches and fans from across the Globe! The shape of a pentagon symbolizes five goals of the Winter Games: the economy, the environment, IT, the arts and peace.

Pyeong Chang Olympic Stadium

Pyeong Chang Introduction to the Host City - cited in the Alps of Korea, 700 metres above sea level features many activities, including skiing, cave tours, traditional marketplace, Daegwalryeong Flower Snow Festival, winter trout fishing, and more! 

Two mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, playfully welcome fans of all ages. Soohorang, the white tiger, is Korea's guardian, who represents protection for the athletes. His partner is Bandabi, an Asiatic black bear. Bandabi stands for equality and harmony and will encourage athletes to excel. 

Watch for more updates!

News feeds to wrap up Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

News feeds to wrap up 2016 Paralympic Games...

10 Personalities Who Left Their Mark on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/10-people-who-left-their-mark-on-the-rio-2016-paralympic-games


10 Unforgettable Sporting Moments at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/10-unforgettable-moments-of-paralympics-sport-rio-2016-highlights


Curtain Comes Down on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with, of course, a Massive Party
https://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics/news/rio-2016-paralympic-games-closing-ceremony-music


Rio 2016: Queen Hails 'Magnificent' Paralympians on Homecoming
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37415310


Rio 2016: Paralympics Come to an End with Festive Closing Ceremony
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-19/rio-paralympics-come-to-an-end-with-festive-closing-ceremony/7857580


Paralympians Back in UK as Date Set for Double Celebration
http://news.sky.com/story/date-set-for-two-day-olympic-and-paralympic-celebration-10585457

Paracyclist from Iran dies from injuries sustained during accident

The IPC reported today that paracyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad, age 48, died from complications following an accident on a curved descent while competing during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. 

The experienced athlete previously competed in the London Games in 2012. Golbarnezhad is being honored by the Iranian delegation and fellow competitors in Athlete's Village. His body will be returned to Iran.

Source: wildgratitude.com

The IPC is investigating conditions on the mountainous trail at the time of the accident. Piers Jones, Sports Director of the cycling governing body said, "We're looking to gather as much information as we can and as quickly as possible."

More info

Live Updates and News from Paralympic Games in Rio!

News links for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games...

Live Updates from Rio, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/news

Medals earned by SPORT and DATE and medal counts by COUNTRY. See, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/schedule-results/info-live-results/rio-2016/eng/zz/engzz_general-general-schedule.htm

Athlete PROFILES by SPORT. See, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/ones-to-watch

Search ATHLETE BIOGRAPHIES by SPORT, https://www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/biographies

NBC News - Sports, Paralympic features, http://www.nbcnews.com/slideshow/triumphs-crashes-rio-2016-paralympic-games-n648621

Paralympic Team Travel Grants Held Up

Source: Around the Rings

Smaller state paralympic committees depend on travel grants to participate in Summer Paralympic Games. The Rio 2016 Organizing Committee has delayed payments of travel grants, but anticipates issuing funds by the end of August. 
A Brazilian judge issued an injunction blocking further use of funds for 2016 Summer Games until the Rio Organizing Committee cooperates by sharing budget and expenditures of public funds. 

Craig Spence, identified as a spokesperson for the International Paralympic Committee, stated “[The] extra funds are critical to the success of the Games.”  “This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are working every hour we can to not only source additional funding but look at how we can make further cost savings within the budget available.”

Source: www.channel4.com

In a related story, organizers report that only 12 percent of Paralympic tickets have been purchased. Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes pledged to purchase 500,000 with public funds for distribution. 

Rio Communications Director Mario Andrada reportedly told journalists that ticket sales will increase after the Olympic Games end on Sunday.  
“We made these concerns public several ways during the journey,” Andrada said. “We understand the rhythm of sales has picked up, and the end of the Games tends to help a lot in the selling of tickets for Paralympics. That’s what we’re working on.”

Rio Paralympics 2016: Russian athletes banned after doping scandal

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the ban based on the McLaren Report detailing a state-sponsored doping program.

(Excerpts) The Russian Paralympic Committee will reportedly appeal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Rio 2016 Paralympics begin in 31 days' time, on 7 September, and 267 Russian athletes across 18 sports will now miss the Games.

"The anti-doping system in Russia is broken, corrupted and entirely compromised," said IPC president Sir Philip Craven at a news conference on Sunday...The doping culture that is polluting Russian sport stems from the Russian government.

"The Russian government has catastrophically failed its para-athletes. Their 'medals over morals' mentality disgusts me. The complete corruption of the anti-doping system is contrary to the rules and strikes at the very heart of the spirit of Paralympic sport.

Why was Russia banned?

Canadian law professor Richard McLaren's report found that Russia's sports ministry manipulated urine samples provided by its athletes between 2011 and 2015.

The report identified 27 samples relating to eight para-sports, five of which are summer sports, including some governed by the IPC.

The IPC has also found evidence that samples were swapped during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games and it planned to reanalyse every Russian sample from Sochi.

The IPC allowed the Russian Paralympic Committee to present its case before it decided on the ban.

More, BBC Disability Sport

Paralympic Refugee Team

Athletes to compete as IPA team

http://m.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/36985795

A team of refugee athletes will compete at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced.

The Independent Paralympic Athletes (IPA) Team will appear under the Paralympic flag and will parade first at the opening ceremony on 7 September.

The team will stay in the Athletes Village, with travel and other expenses covered by the IPC.

More, https://m.paralympic.org/news/refugees-compete-dedicated-team-rio-2016-paralympics

We're the Superhumans - Rio2016 Trailer
https://youtu.be/IocLkk3aYlk

An inspirational video trailer featuring paralympians from across the Globe who demonstrate YES WE CAN! 
There are no limits for enthusiastic and capable individuals determined to succeed. Check it out!

2016 Paralympics Trailer

US Wheelchair Rugby Selects Athletes for Rio Summer Games

USA Wheelchair Rugby is pleased to announce the names of the 12 athletes and four alternates nominated for Team USA.

Chuck Aoki    Minneapolis, MN
Jeff Butler      Austin, TX
Josh Brewer   Battle Ground, WA
Chad Cohn   Tucson, AZ
Lee Fredette   East Moriches, NY
Anthony McDaniel Navarre, FL
Chuck Melton   Richview, IL
Eric Newby   Littleton, CO
Kory Puderbaugh  San Diego, CA
Jason Regier  Centennial, CO
Adam Scaturro  Lakewood, CO
Josh Wheeler   San Tan Valley, AZ

“The journey to this moment has been filled with extreme lows and ultimate highs, ” said Coach Gumbert. ” The challenge moving forward is to learn from each of these and capitalize on good momentum moving forward..."

The U.S. will open play on Wednesday, September 14th against France.  The Americans will go on to face Sweden and Japan in preliminary play, semi final action begins on Saturday September 17th with the medal matches scheduled to be contested on Sunday September 18th.

Source: http://usawr.org/usa-wheelchair-rugby-nominates-12-athletes-for-rio/
Author: Jen Remick

Hershey’s updates label in support of Team USA

Iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar Changes Famous Silver Lettering for First Time to Support Team USA

"In support of Team USA, the 122-year old Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar will be taking an unprecedented shift and switching the traditional silver lettering to red, white and blue for the first time in the history of the bar. The Team USA line of products was revealed on Wednesday, April 27th..."

For athlete and product profiles, visit hersheysteamusa.com

"Hershey’s is also proud to announce partnerships with 2012 U.S. wrestling gold-medalist Jordan Burroughs, 2012 U.S. Paralympic swimming gold-medalist Mallory Weggemann and U.S. Olympic swimming hopeful and Hershey, Pennsylvania, native David Nolan to its roster of athletes. Burroughs and Weggemann will be featured in Hershey’s chocolate new campaign as they prepare for their trips to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio and Nolan will have the support from his hometown company in pursuit of making his first U.S. Olympic Team."

Paralympic Headlines

Rio 2016: Paralympic rowers Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis determined to win

07.19.16

To train on Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin six mornings a week in mid-winter requires some serious motivation.  

But Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis are extremely determined. 

In just over a month the two will represent Australia in the Paralympics together, rowing in the mixed double sculls event. 

They have been training for this for four years. 

He

's definitely the engine," Ms Ross said. 

"He's the engine in the boat and I hope to hold up a good rhythm and pace so that he can follow and put all the power in that he's got."

The pair came fifth in the London Paralympics but have since gone from strength to strength. They are now triple world champions and favourites for gold in Rio. More, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/paralympic-rowers-determined-to-win/7642080

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The IPC Shooting World Cup has taken place in Osijek, Croatia, from 10-14 July, with nearly 230 athletes from 48 nations prepare to line up for the first Rio 2016 Paralympic Games qualifier of 2015. All results can be found via the IPC Shooting website: http://www.paralympic.org/shooting/live-results.

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Sport Week: Rio 2016 Paralympic shooting venue

07.09.2016

 The Olympic Shooting Centre will host 12 medal events between 8-14 September.

From 8-14 September shooters from around the world will compete in 12 men’s, women’s and mixed events at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Every single day will feature medal events, allowing fans lots of chances to see athletes win medals for their country.

Shooters will line-up at the same venue as their able-bodied counterparts – the Olympic Shooting Centre in the Deodoro Olympic Park. More, https://www.paralympic.org/news/sport-week-rio-2016-paralympic-shooting-venue

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Long headlines USA’s Rio 2016 swim team

07.04.2016

Rudy Garcia-Tolson and Cody Bureau will also enter their fourth Paralympic Games in September, as 31 athletes in total complete the roster.  US Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, announced its 31-strong Rio 2016 Paralympics Games swimmingteam on Sunday (3 July) after three days of intense racing at the Paralympic trials in North Carolina.

Seventeen athletes heading to Rio 2016 have Paralympic Gamesexperience, whilst 14 fresh faces are looking to turn heads in the sport’s ultimate competition. The team will also feature two US military service members, one a retired Navy veteran and one active duty member currently serving in the United States Army.

Twelve-time Paralympic gold medallist Jessica Long, Rudy Garcia-Tolson and Cody Bureau are the only swimmers on the team able to say their Paralympic Games career stretches back to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. All three have been named to their fourth team with the trio all having competed in 2012, 2008 and 2004. More, https://www.paralympic.org/news/long-headlines-usa-s-rio-2016-swim-team

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USEF Names U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

06.16.2016

Lexington, Ky. – June 16, 2016 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced a team of four athlete-horse combinations for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Para-dressage competition will take place September 12–16 at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center, which is also hosting the Olympic equestrian events several weeks earlier.

The para-dressage team was chosen following the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, which served as the selection trial. Each combination’s two highest scores in CPEDI3* events taking place between Jan. 1, 2015, and May 16, 2016, also influenced the team selection. More, https://www.uset.org/3194-2/

Advances in prosthetic technology increase opportunities for sport

Today, athletes with physical disabilities compete in many sports, from track and field, to basketball, hockey, swimming and more. The International Paralympic Committee classifies para-athletes in categories for competition based on their impairment.  One eligible impairment type is limb deficiency due to total or partial absence of bones or joints as a consequence of trauma (e.g. car accident), illness (e.g. bone cancer) or congenital limb deficiency (e.g. dysmelia). (Source: https://www.paralympic.org/classification)

Prosthetics and orthotics are special equipment used by some para-athletes to successfully contend. 
"The technology in the last five years is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was the previous 15 years," says John Spillar, market manager for sports prosthetics in North America for Ottobock. "We're making more and more custom devices for people who want to climb mountains, for people who want to play specific sports. You'll never be able to replace the limb, but we can get things like ground reaction force, the spring in the feet, things like that, and now we have athletes who are using these devices to beat world records." (Source: espn.go.com)

(Photo: helix.northwestern.edu)

Dr. Todd Kuiken pioneered targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Amputated nerves are redirected from the endpoint of injury to another muscle group. Electrodes receive the nerve impulse from the central nervous system and signal movement of the prosthetic limb. With training, an individual learns to think about and control movement of the advanced prosthetic. (Source: How Stuff Works Science - How Prosthetic Limbs Work)

Emerging technologies show promise in customizing prosthetics to the user, learning patterns of muscle movement and load. The result is an adaptive device that increases efficiency and precision of motion. The increasing number of injured veterans is driving advances in bioengineering, restoring mobility and independence. The future promises "smart" prosthetics with a computer interface enabling quick adjustments to demand without loss of function.

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]

During the first day of Trials for USA Paralympic Swimming, seven American records and three Pan American records were set by seven different athletes; nine records were in breaststroke events reported Joe Clarke.
 
Competition continued in Charlotte beginning this morning in the 50 backstroke, 100 butterfly, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle.  Final heats are scheduled for this evening. 

(Photo: teamusa.org)

Athletes and coaches represent many states and athletic organizations. Families arrived early wearing red, white and blue and carrying posters and shakers in support of their favorite swimmers.  For full results, visit USParalympics.org/2016TeamTrials

 

This duckling may be an aspiring Paralympian!

(Photo: sutcliffed.jalbum.net)










Staff of USA Paralympics, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Aquatic Center, Partners in Parks and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority did a great job recruiting officials, preparing facilities, training volunteers and providing hospitality for a successful event!

#ParalympicTrials

(Photo: teamusa.org)  

*Officials respectfully requested that spectator do not take photos that may distract athletes or violate privacy; stock images are featured.