Honoring Michigan’s 2012 Paralympians
Friday, September 21, 2012
Mr. President, a moving 11-day journey recently came to an end. Nearly 4,300 athletes from 166 countries travelled to London, England to fulfill their dream of representing their country at the 2012 Paralympic Games. I congratulate each of these athletes on a job well done and for their hard work, determination and triumph. Their accomplishments inspired us all and help to broaden our sense of what is possible for individuals living with a disability.
Shortly after the 2012 Olympic Games concluded, Olympic officials worked feverishly to transform the Olympic venues for the upcoming Paralympic Games. Their task was formidable, and their work was impressive. And once again, London proved to be an exceedingly welcoming host. In fact, more than 2.7 million spectators attended the Games, shattering the previous mark and making these Games the best attended in history. Many venues were filled to capacity. The energy and excitement of the fans was impressive and a wonderful inspiration for these athletes to showcase their talents. While the world watched with joy and amazement, the athletes competed fiercely, setting an astonishing 251 world records in the process.
Those in attendance and audiences around the world were treated to many dazzling performances and were introduced to some truly inspiring personal stories. One such story is that of Lt. Brad Synder. Almost a year ago to the day, Lt. Synder was bravely serving his country in Afghanistan when a bomb exploded, rendering him blind. A year later, he stood in London, again representing his country, with two gold medals and a silver in swimming around his neck and a world record in his grasp. In the face of such a tragic and life-altering injury, this brave soldier refused to let this injury define him and forged ahead, setting his sights on a new goal. There is also Lt. Cmdr. Steven Peace who began cycling during rehabilitation from a stroke he suffered during active duty and competed for Team USA in that event. And there is Scot Severn, another former soldier, who won bronze in shot put at these Games after recovering from injuries sustained from a lighting strike while on duty. These are but a few of the seemingly endless stories of perseverance and strength that define the lives of these athletes and enrich the lives of all of us.
It was in 1948 that the seed of what would grow to become the second largest sporting event in the world was planted in London. Sir Ludwig Guttman sought to inspire recently wounded World War II veterans by organizing a sporting event to raise their spirits and aid their rehabilitation. After years of increasing participation and awareness, this sporting event, which was conceived to parallel the Olympic Games, would formally become known as the Paralympic Games in 1960. In 2012, 227 athletes represented the United States in London.
There were many Paralympic athletes with ties to Michigan on Team USA. They represented their nation and Michigan admirably. They include Steve Peace in cycling, Asya Miller in goalball, Robin Theryoung in goalball, Tucker Dupree in swimming, Scott Severn in track and field, Bryan Barten in wheelchair tennis, and Mackenzie Soldan in wheelchair tennis. Along with these impressive athletes, I also congratulate the legions of coaches, trainers, officials, support staff, family and friends that played indispensable roles for these athletes and helped to make their performances possible.
There are more than twenty-four million Americans living with a disability and many more who face some sort of physical, visual or mental challenge. The athletes who competed in London sent a strong, compelling signal that, while their circumstance may seem daunting, there are many mountains to climb and races to win if they are determined and willing to pursue excellence in whatever field they choose, whether it be the track, a classroom or any other worthy pursuit. These Games also bring greater awareness and more resources to efforts to increase the availability of physical activity for disabled Americans across the nation, the benefits of which have been well-documented in recent years.
The 2012 Paralympic Games dazzled us with impressive athletic feats, inspired us with stories of courage and perseverance, and reminded us that we can all overcome adversity and pursue excellence both in competition and in life. The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games, like the Olympic Games that preceded it, was a stage on which athletes from across the globe came together in friendly competition. Barb and I salute every athlete that represented Team USA in London. As one organizer eloquently stated, “The Paralympians have lifted the cloud of limitation.” For that, we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.