OK, now that this year's Olympics in Beijing, China, have seemingly concluded, you might think it's time to start thinking about 2012 and London.
But this just in … BREAKING NEWS … the Olympics are not over yet.
"No?" says the couch potato?
No, the Olympics are not over. The Paralympics, which are held immediately following the Olympics in the same host city are just about to start, and competition is expected to be fierce. The Paralympics are a competition for those who are otherwise physically limited.
A press release that was released recently speaks of one of the sports, groups and many organizations that participates in these games. Needless to say, the mainstream media, I.e. "NBC," will not be providing live coverage, nor will you be able to find it at all on any satellite or cable system in the U.S.
"How sad is that," asks the Sports Dawg, an Internet Radio host of "Its All About Sports,"
Coverage will be shown briefly on NBC on October 18. "Quite the tape delay," says the Sports Dawg. Nevertheless, coverage of the Paralympics will be available on the Internet starting September 6. You can visit this web site here:
Below you'll find a press release with more information on one of the many events at the Paralympics. Note: Coverage of the Men's and Women's Goalball games from Beijing can be listened to live.
Men's Goalball to Take the Court with Gold on Their Minds
The U.S Men's Goalball Team will bring a wealth of international experience to the 2008 Paralympics Games in Beijing. Team USA has competed in the 2007 Good Luck Games Paralympics Test Event, the Lithuania Invitational Goalball Tournament and the Men's Malmo Intercup Tournament in Sweden, all over the course of the last year. The men earned a silver medal at the Malmo Intercup.
According to team leader John Potts, Team USA's rigorous training schedule will also help them improve their bronze-medal finish in Athens and keep them in the hunt for a gold. Team USA, has participated in training camps at the Olympic and Paralympics Training Centers in Colorado Springs, Colo. and Lake Placid, N.Y. and at the Lakeshore Foundation Training Site in Birmingham, Ala.
"This series of camps and competitions have provided Team USA valuable training opportunities and exposure to their Beijing opponents," said Potts.
"This really sets them up for the gold medal platform in Beijing."
Team USA will be led by veterans Chris Dodds, starting center, and Donte Mickens, who were both part of the Athens Team along with Tyler Merren and Eddie Munro. Newcomers Daryl Walker and Steve Denuyl will bring excitement to the experienced team.
"The Team USA is very strong," said Potts. "But it's the team's ability to generate rock-solid defense during intense game situations that makes this team a force to be reckoned with."
Team USA, however, won't be the only force to be reckoned with in the 12-team field in Beijing.
China, the host nation team, is an upcoming threat in the international Goalball scene. The team has resources for a full-time training program and training facility. In the lead up to the games, China won the Good Luck Games Paralympics Test Event and will look to repeat the win in front of their hometown fans.
Team USA will also have to look out for Sweden and Lithuania on their path to the podium. Sweden won a silver medal at the 2004 Paralympics Games and the 2007 Good Luck Games Paralympics Test Event. Lithuania earned a gold medal at the 2006 IBSA World Championships and a bronze at the Good Luck Games Paralympics Test Event.
Team USA will arrive at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center for a training camp August 27-29. They will depart for Beijing on September 1. The men's Goalball competition will go from September 7-14. Pool play starts on the 7th and the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal round will take place the 12-14. All games will be played at the Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium.
Good Luck Team USA! For more information and updates on U.S Men's Goalball during the Paralympics Games, log on to www.usocpressbox.org.
For live audio coverage of all the games visit the Audio network at
Independent Living Aids LLC
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