The event is Sat., Nov. 12, 2011, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road.

This Paralympic Experience will introduce participants to Paralympic sports. Athletes will have hands-on participation in tandem cycling, goalball, archery, swimming, adaptive kayaking and more.

Aaron Trent, Paralympic cyclist and 2010 Paralympic Team Sprint National Champion will be in attendance.

“The Paralympic Experience program encourages physical fitness and overall well-being for individuals with physical and visual disabilities, and we are thrilled to be working with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation on this initiative,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “Research shows that individuals with physical and visual disabilities who participate in physical activity are healthier, more successful in school, have great access to employment opportunities and have an enhanced quality of life.”
 
To register, call 704-432-4330. Participation is free.

About U.S. Paralympics
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement by promoting excellence in the lives of persons with disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics website at www.usparalympics.org.

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This activity supports Mecklenburg County’s strategic goal to improve/expand parks, open spaces, greenways and recreational activities.

Media Contact:
Leo Caplanides at 704-432-0376 (Office) 980-395-2873 (Cell) or Leo.Caplanides@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov