 | 2007 Team USA
Johannesburg, South Africa | | (click on Picture for larger Image) | |
Wheelchair Sports, USA Participates in Junior International Competition
TEAM USA recently returned from a memorable appearance in the Junior World Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an impressive list of athletic accomplishments and vivid impressions of South African culture that will last a lifetime.
The team, comprised of fifteen athletes and six staff members from across the country, met in Washington, D.C. and then traveled to South Africa to compete in the Junior World Championships, March 31 through April 8, 2007. (Athletes: Christopher Arcell, Ryan Chalmers, Caitlin Chasar, Jordan Clyburn, Bob Hunt, Steven Klorer, Kristen Messer, Mariya Redden, Louis Riccardi, Amber Salsburey, Susannah Scaroni, Adam Schmuki, Austin Slaymaker, Rachel Voss, and David Watts; Staff: Team Leader - Gregg Chalmers, Assistant Team Leader -Tomie Zuchetto, Field Coach - Teresa Skinner, Track Coach - Joe Shifflett, Swim Coach - Laurie Karr, and Equipment Manager - Susan Rossi).
The athletes challenged their international competitors in Track, Field and Swimming, bringing home an incredible 32 Gold, 26 Silver and 29 Bronze Medals. Under the direction of Laurie Karr (Swimming), Teresa Skinner (Field) and Joe Shifflett (Track), members of the team shattered several personal records and improved on their technique and overall athletic performance.
Following their competitions, the team toured South Africa and experienced the culture firsthand, visiting a local flea market featuring handmade items and sampling authentic South African cuisine. Athletes also enjoyed seeing big game animals up close as they rode in open-terrain vehicles for day and nighttime Safaris through Kruger National Park.
The team members, who raised their own funds for the trip and related expenses, overwhelmingly agreed that they would “definitely return for another International competition and would recommend this experience to other athletes”.
Athletes are selected for Team USA based on having two years experience at the National Junior Disability Championship level. Applications must be submitted by the athlete’s coach. Each athlete is expected to pay their own expenses. If you are interested in providing financial support of this program, please contact WSUSA. For additional information, please contact WSUSA. Phone (732) 422-4546, Email:
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, Website: WWW.WSUSA.ORG
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