U.S. Olympic Committee and VA to Announce Partnership to Benefit Injured Service Men and Women

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will sign a memorandum of understanding to officially announce their new partnership. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and USOC Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner will be joined by Paralympians, veterans and Members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, including Chairman Bob Filner and Ranking Member Steve Buyer.

WHAT: U.S. Olympic Committee & Department of Veterans Affairs Signing Ceremony

WHO: The Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

Representative Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Representative Steve Buyer (R-IN), Ranking Member, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, United States Olympic Committee

Paralympian Scott Winkler (Iraq War Veteran – track & field)

Paralympian Kortney Clemons (Iraq War Veteran – track and field)

WHERE: 334 Cannon House Office Building, Washington , D.C.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21 – 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The partnership will allow USOC to enhance rehabilitative support to injured veterans at the community level in collaboration with the VA. USOC has more than 60 member organizations, which include veteran and military organizations. Support for veterans includes training, equipment, access to Paralympic mentors, and ongoing sports programming in communities across the country.

Calling the partnership an important step in ensuring that that U.S. Military Paralympics Program is capable of supporting veteran athletes, Chairman Filner said, “For many service members and veterans who have been severely-injured, their rehabilitation can be a disheartening experience. The partnership between USOC and VA will provide injured service members and veterans more opportunities to heal and grow, while in an environment of athletic competition and sport. For so many wounded warriors, this program provides a valuable chance to explore new limits, dream new dreams, and continue their active lifestyle.”

A 20-minute screening of the documentary film “Warrior Champions,” which illustrates the role sport has played in the rehabilitation process and the lives of four wounded veterans, will be shown following the announcement. Two of the four athletes featured in the documentary will be on hand to talk about their experiences and their quest to serve their country for the second time. Chairman Filner conducted a July 2009 Full Committee hearing on the needs of injured veterans in the Military Paralympic Program. A webcast of the hearing can be viewed here: http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?NewsID=447