1. Paralympics and BlazeSports KNR 270

2. Paralympics www.paralympic.org Competition for elite athletes with disabilities International Paralympics Committee Para (beside) Olympics –Since 1988 held in same cities and venues as Olympics Winter 2010 Vancouver Summer 2012 London Winter 2014 Sochi Russia –Feb. 7-23 Olympics: March 7-16 Summer 2016 Rio

3. 2012 London Athletes – 4,237 –Men – 2,736; Women – 1,501 Spectators – 2.7 million –Most events were sold out Volunteers – 70,000

4. Disabilities Paraplegia Quadriplegia Muscular Dystrophy Post Poliomyelitis Spina Bifida Amputation Congenital Absence Short Stature Cerebral Palsy Multiple Sclerosis Visual Impairment Intellectual Impairment (new)

5. Summer Sports Archery Track & Field Boccia Canoe Cycling Equestrian Football Goalball W/C Dance Sport Judo Power lifting Rowing Sailing Shooting Sitting Volleyball Swimming Table Tennis Triathlon

6. Summer Sports Wheelchair basketball Wheelchair fencing Wheelchair tennis Wheelchair rugby Wheelchair tennis

7. Winter Sports Alpine skiing –Snowboard debut 2014 Biathlon Cross-country skiing Ice sledge hockey Wheelchair curling

8. Media Coverage NBC and NBCSN will have about 52 hours of coverage in US First time we will be able to watch live Will stream live on www.paralympics.org www.paralympics.org http://www.teamusa.org/

9. Controversies Swimmer is fighting a ruling: She is not disabled enough Blade Runner’s artificial legs controversy

10. BlazeSports America www.blazesports.org Started after 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA. –1 st time held on American soil Mission: –Improve the lives of children & adults with physical disabilities worldwide through sport, healthy lifestyle, the prevention of chronic illness, sport diplomacy, and human rights

11. What They Do… Sporting Events Educational Events –BlazeDays at schools –Sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball, wheelchair relays Under 4 hours cost = $200 Over 4 hours cost = $300

12. What They Do… 24/7 Technical Assistance –Program Tool Kit to help start a program Videos Resources –Monthly webinars –Training sessions –BlazeSports America Annual Conference

13. What They Do… Certification –Certified Disability Sport Specialist –Level I, II, III, IV