US Paralympic Hopefuls Start Their Gateway to Gold in Atlanta on May 21

ATLANTA - April 27, 2016 - PRLog -- On Saturday, May 21, athletes with physical and visual disabilities will participate in a Gateway to Gold Experience event in Atlanta hosted by BlazeSports America in conjunction with U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee. Kicking off at noon and held at St. Pius X High School in Atlanta, the goal of the event is to introduce individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments to Paralympic track and field. The Gateway to Gold Experience welcomes track and field coaches as well as athletes, and there is no fee to participate.

"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 community partners like BlazeSports America," said Rick Adams, chief of Paralympic Sport and NGB Organizational Development. "With the help of BlazeSports in hosting this Gateway to Gold Experience, U.S. Paralympics might find the next great Paralympic champion in Atlanta's backyard."

The Gateway to Gold Experience will introduce individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments, including youth, adults and military veterans, to Paralympic sport with hopes of identifying individuals for the athlete pipeline. As a part of the clinic, prospective athletes will be trained on a variety of skills that can help determine their aptitude for Paralympic sport.

"We are thrilled to host the Gateway to Gold Experience," said BlazeSports America Executive Director Cynthia Frisina. "This event is the U.S. Olympic Committee's talent identification event for Paralympic track and field for the entire Southeast, so it is quite an honor."

Gateway to Gold Experience events are being held throughout the country this spring in preparation for the summer Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil. Registration information for the Atlanta event can be found at www.blazesports.org or by calling 404-270-2000. Participation is free.

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 usparalympics.org. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Gateway to Gold website at GatewayToGold.org.

About BlazeSports America

Based in Atlanta and celebrating 20 years in 2016, BlazeSports America's mission is to change the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities through adaptive sport. In addition to its US efforts, BlazeSports America has served individuals and communities in 11 countries and partners with organizations around the world utilizing sport as a vehicle for social change and greater inclusion. The interdisciplinary approach includes sport and community programs, youth leadership, competitions, camps and clinics, professional continuing education and certification and sport diplomacy. BlazeSports America serves children and adults as well as military veterans with physical disabilities.

BlazeSports America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is the legacy organization of the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, Ga., offering programs and services that encourage lifelong health, build leadership skills, foster independence and inclusion, and promote an inclusive society. BlazeSports America is a member of United States Olympic Committee - Multi-Sport Organization and the USA Member Organization of Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association. www.blazesports.org