Sept. 6 Paralympic Games "Two Games with Equal Splendor"

The Olympic Games and officially closed and the athletes have left for their respective countries. The Olympic Village is now filling up with Paralympians from around the world in preparation for the Opening Ceremonies that should equal the Opening of the regular Olympics. The Chinese have gone to great lengths to insure that the Village, the streets, the site-seeing events and even the Great Wall of China have easy access. The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games will not be taking a "back-seat" to the Olympics according to Jiang Xiaoyu, the Vice President of the BOOC (Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee). The world will once again be able to see and continue to learn about the spirit of these Games along with the brave and courageous athletes from around the world. The US Paralympic Judo Team is one of those teams that include 5 members: 4 men and 1 woman. There are also two Coaches, Scott Moore, Assistant Judo Coach and Raul Tamayo, the Head Judo Coach along with Marc Vink, US Paralympic Judo Team Leader. We wish them well and a safe return!