Over the coming weeks, as the Olympic and Paralympic games unfold, we will witness the power of sport to bring nations together, to promote fair and friendly competition, and to inspire us with extraordinary performances.  Sport also has the power to rebuild lives, as we have seen so often through the Paralympic programs we host in my home state of Colorado, including at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.   

While this proud Colorado tradition has touched the lives of countless disabled Americans, we can do more to provide injured service members and disabled veterans the opportunities that come through Paralympic sports.  That is why I have joined Congressman Filner in introducing S.3376/H.R.4255, The United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2008.  The bill would establish a strong partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to develop and implement a Paralympic sports program for disabled veterans and active duty service members.  Expanding athletic opportunities to our wounded warriors, particularly to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, will help them reintegrate into civilian life and overcome the challenges associated with injuries and disabilities.

As we watch the Olympics and Paralympics unfold over the coming weeks, let us recommit ourselves to the heroes who have sacrificed so much on our behalf, and do more to open the doors of sport to those who are enduring the wounds of war.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 9:54 am and is filed under Uncategorized .