Development Cycling Camp Offered at OTC

on 05-19-2008 10:05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Development Cycling Camp to Be Offered September 23-28, 2008 to Riders with Disabilities

Cyclist’s Learn to Race at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs

(Colorado Springs, Colorado) - U.S. Handcycling, in collaboration with The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), and Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) is hosting the U.S. Development Cycling Camp for Riders with Disabilities at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, September 23-28 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Cyclists ages 16 and older with physical disabilities will learn bike handling skills, safe riding techniques and road racing strategies. Instruction in Track riding will also be provided at the velodrome. Athletes eligible for participation include: blind and visually impaired cyclists and their sighted partners, who ride tandem bikes; cyclists with lower mobility impairments who use hand cycles; cyclists with cerebral palsy or head injury who use both standard bikes and tricycles; and amputee cyclists who ride either single bikes or hand cycles. A special invitation is being extended to military servicemen and women who have encountered disabilities from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom who want to learn to race.

"A camp of this type has been on the radar for many years, and thanks our collaboration with USABA, DSUSA, as well as support from the Reeve Foundation [in addition to handcycle-specific assistance provided by the Paralyzed Veteran's of America (PVA) and TriWest Healthcare Alliance], handcyclists can learn more about racing and reach their cycling goals; It's a big step in the right direction, since it aims to help mid-level athletes who do not have access to coaching from Paralympic team coaching staff", said Ian Lawless, Executive Director of U.S. Handcycling.

Camp staff will include certified cycling coaches, a U.S. Cycling Federation certified mechanic and guest speakers from a variety of sports related fields.

Riders attending camp will be on their bikes up to two times per day participating in skill drills, practicing safe riding techniques and competing in race simulations. There will also be evening lectures. "We will help network interested riders into their local riding and racing communities as much as possible and provide a schedule of future race opportunities," said Pam Fernandes, camp coordinator and former Paralympic cyclist.

Whatever the outcome for each rider, the goal of the camp is to foster a passion for riding and staying healthy. After completing camp, some participants will choose to become recreational riders while others will strive to become Paralympic champions. No matter which road athletes choose, the hope is that the camp will open new opportunities for sports and recreation to people with physical disabilities. In the past, some camp attendees have gone on to become Paralympic and World Champion medalists, setting National, World and Paralympic Records.

Food, housing and transportation to and from the airport will be provided by the U.S. Olympic Training Center as part of the camp. Athletes will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and will be asked to pay a nominal fee of $100 to attend the camp.

Riders are asked to bring their own bikes and gear to the camp. Tandem riders are encouraged to bring their own pilots (riding partners), but if needed, USABA will assist in finding partners for visually impaired riders.

Generous support for this camp has been provided by
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

For more information or to request an application, contact Pam Fernandes at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (781) 449-9563. You can also download the application HERE.

The United States Association of Blind Athletes enhances the lives of blind and visually impaired people by providing the opportunity for participation in sports and physical activity: http://www.usaba.org

United States Handcycling Federation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation designed to create integrated cycling opportunities for wheelchair users and athletes with lower-mobility impairments: http://www.ushf.org

Disabled Sports USA provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in sports, recreation and related educational programs: http://www.dsusa.org

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy: http://www.christopherreeve.org