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Paralympic Services

What is the Paralympic Services Program

Paralympic Sport Chicago In January 2008 the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Wirtz Sports Program was proudly named by the United States Olympic Committee as a Paralympic Sports Club. As a Paralympic Sport Club, RIC Sports' Paralympic Services is comprised of three components:

Adaptive military program for wounded veterans,
Paralympic Academy for children, and
Athlete development

Adaptive Military Program for Wounded Veterans

U.S. Paralympic Military Program This two-day event offers current and former military servicemen and women who have a Paralympic-eligible disability the opportunity to learn about and participate in Paralympic sports. This program is just not about sports; it’s also about camaraderie, attitude, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Click here to learn more about the RIC Military Adaptive Sports Camp.

Paralympic Academy for Children

U.S. Paralympic Academy This program is offered two times a year and gives children with a physical disability a chance to learn about and participate in Paralympic sports. Each Paralympic Academy features different Paralympics sports allows participants to work on skills and engage in sports with their peers, and introduces future Paralympic hopefuls to the RIC Sports programs. It also provides an opportunity for children to meet and work with Paralympic athletes.

During Paralympic years, the Paralympic Academy offers an essay contest to all children ages 12-18 with Paralympic-eligible disability the chance to attend the games to see elite competition, meet Paralympic athletes, learn more about Paralympic sport, and be inspired to pursue their dreams.

Athlete Development

Athlete Development fosters the developement of elite and Paralympic hopeful athletes. RIC Sports provides support for training and attending local and national competitions.

RIC has a rich history of supporting Paralympic athletes: since the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games fifty-one RIC athletes have proudly represented the United States bringing home twenty-nine medals. RIC Sports is delighted to announce that three RIC athletes will be attending the 2008 Beijing Games. Click here for more about RIC Paralympic history.