Article Source: U.S. Ass of Blind Athletes

(Colorado Springs, CO) – Monday, May 17 through Sunday, May 23, 2010 the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), is hosting a Development Cycling Camp for Riders with Disabilities at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Partnering organizations include U.S. Paralympics, U.S. Hand Cycling, and Disabled Sports USA). (Military Service members with eye injuries and physical disabilities included as a part of rehabilitation process
 
 “I competed in 10 Ironman triathlons prior to my accident” said former California Highway Patrol Officer Anthony Pedeferri (Camarillo, CA.) who sustained a completely severed spinal cord.  I would like to begin racing and participating in various hand-cycling events on a regular basis.  If my ability develops, I would someday like to participate in the National Championships, World’s and hopefully the Paralympics.  If I lack the ability, I would still enjoy racing and participating at any level”.

Cyclists with physical disabilities and sensory impairments will learn advanced bike handling skills and road racing strategies.  Instruction in track riding is also provided to the 22 participating athletes including blind and visually impaired cyclists and their sighted pilots, 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 amputee cyclists who ride either single bikes or hand cycles. Veterans and active duty service members who sustained physical and sensory disabilities as a result of service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom are participating in the camp including SPC Steven Baskis (Forest Park, IL), U.S. Army active duty who sustained shrapnel injuries to his eyes, upper and lower extremities in an IED attack in Iraq.
 
“This is an outstanding opportunity for cyclists who want to increase their riding knowledge and experience. We will also identify athletes who will go on and compete for the United States in future regional and national events, and for some, the Paralympic Games", said Mark Lucas, Executive Director of the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes.
 
Athletes attending will ride twice per day participating in skill drills, practicing safe riding techniques and competing in race simulations. "We will network athletes into their local riding and racing communities and provide participants a schedule of future race opportunities," said Pam Fernandes, camp coordinator and Paralympic medalist.

Learn more about USABA...