posted on April 1, 2009

Since 1988, the Paralympic Games have steadily achieved parity of prestige with the Olympics, completing disabled sports’ decades-long development from recreational therapy to a viable industry.

A funding gap, or chasm, persists, though as I write, I wear a pair of Air Jordans sent last summer by Paralympian April Holmes, whose foundation co-sponsored an essay contest with Jordan Brands. Later this year, I’ll compete in two 5Ks offering prize money for blind and visually impaired runners.

Programs are popping up, hence the need for disability sports conferences like the ones detailed here.

Developing Amazing Leaders Paralympic Conference

The 2009 Developing Amazing Leaders Paralympic Conference takes place the weekend of April 17-20 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and offers opportunities for learning, networking, and inspiration from experts in the Paralympic movement. This conference is geared towards those running or wishing to start a Paralympic sport programs in their communities.

Workshop sessions provide hands-on experience with a variety of Paralympic sports, an in-depth dialogue about best practices, and a variety of sessions focused on working with injured military personnel. Call 719.866.4837 for information.

National Disability Sports Conference

The 2009 National Disability Sports Conference takes place September 10-12 at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, about an hour north of Atlanta.

The conference will feature 30+ interactive sessions on topics such as coaching, recruitment, and program development led by top sports professionals, with elite coaches and Paralympic athletes sharing leading-edge techniques. Attendees will have access to one-on-one consulting on crucial program components, including fundraising, risk management, public relations, and grant writing.

Adaptive sports equipment, including wheelchairs, will be available to facilitate a hands-on learning experience.

“We really try to do hands-on workshops for coaches and program leaders so they can go home and be better coaches,” says program director Jeff Jones. “The work is geared towards developing athletes whose disabilities fall under the main Paralympic categories, including the blind and visually, those with spinal cord injuries, and amputees.”

Conference costs have not been set, though Jones estimates the price will be about $250 for the weekend event. Call Jeff Jones (770.850.9095) for more information.