GLASA to host event to evaluate paralympic athletes for Team USA

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association will host a Gateway to Gold talent identification event Sunday, April 27, in conjunction with U.S. Paralympics, to help discover physically disabled and visually impaired athletes who could compete for Team USA.

The event will be at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Check-in is 8:15-9 a.m., with the clinic running from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. U.S. Paralympics is a division of the United States Olympic Committee.

"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.

The 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."

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.

For more information on Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, visit glasa.org.