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Community Corner

Gateway to Gold

Lake
Forest, IL–   Great Lakes Adaptive Sports
Association announced today that it will be hosting a Gateway to Gold talent identification
event on April 27 in conjunction with U.S. Paralympics, a division of the
United States Olympic Committee, to help discover physically disabled and
visually impaired athletes who could compete for Team USA.


The event is scheduled for Sunday, April 27 at Elk Grove High School, 500 W.
Elk Grove Blvd; Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. 
Check-in is 8:15 AM to 9:00 AM with the Clinic running from at 9:00 AM
to 1:30 PM.  



“Through
the Gateway to Gold talent identification clinic, the greater Chicagoland area
is so fortunate to have the opportunity for Paralympic coaches and staff to
work with both new and experienced athletes to support their journey and dreams
of being a Paralympian,” said Cindy Housner, Executive Director and
Founder of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.     

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The
Gateway to Gold talent identification event will introduce individuals with
physical disabilities and visual impairments, including youth, adults and
military veterans, to the Paralympic sports of Ambulatory Track and Field with
hopes of identifying hopefuls for future U.S. Paralympic Teams. As a part of
the clinic, prospective athletes will be tested on a variety of skills that can
help determine their aptitude for Paralympic sport.



“The
U.S. Paralympic Team strives to be the best in the world. But we cannot get to
the top of the podium without the help of our community partners like GLASA,”
said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “With GLASA’s help in hosting
this Gateway to Gold talent identification clinic, U.S. Paralympics might find
the next great Paralympic champion in your backyard.”

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Gateway
to Gold talent identification events are being held throughout the country. For
registration information on the Elk Grove event, contact Nicole Verneuille at nverneuille@glasa.org
or call (847)283-0908. Participation is free. 



Launched
in 2013, Gateway to Gold is the new U.S. Paralympics initiative for identifying
and recruiting Paralympic eligible athletes who show an ability to compete in
the future at an elite level. Gateway to Gold participants go through sport
specific tests and evaluations to determine if they are ready for the next level
of opportunity in Paralympic sport.



Great
Lakes Adaptive Sports Association: http://glasa.org/



Mission
and Vision:






To
promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth and
adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through the provision
of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities and to
offer opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership, and
training in collaboration with community-based organizations.


The
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association believes that the quality of life
should never be limited by a physical or visual impairment.  We believe
that it is possible to remove boundaries, elevate expectations, fulfill
dreams, enhance self-worth and empower individuals with disabilities in
competitive and recreational sports.






About
U.S. Paralympics:

U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, is
dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and to
promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical and visual
disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics website at www.usparalympics.org. Visit
the U.S. Paralympics Gateway to Gold website at GatewayToGold.org

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