Developing Amazing Leaders

DEVELOPING AMAZING LEADERS – Paralympic Conference

April 17 - 20, 2009
U.S. Olympic Training Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado

by Ellen Hall-Adams

Amazing Awaits. That is the message that is heard over and over during this three day conference. And, judging by many of the stories told, amazing happens.

More than 230 attendees, with a passion to prove what is possible for people with disabilities, are being treated to three days of learning from the best, compliments of U.S. Paralympics and the Olympic University.

The event kicked off Friday with an opening reception and a sneak preview of the film “Warrior Champions: From Baghdad to Beijing.” Filmmakers Brent and Craig Renaud share the emotional and inspiring story of a group of severely wounded American Soldiers as they fight to turn nightmares of war into Paralympic dreams. “Warrior Champions” is a coming home story of struggle and triumph that challenges every notion of what it means to have a disability. It will be coming to select theaters in June, and is a must see.

Saturday opened with Dr. Jim Loehr, the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Loehr is the CEO and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute. Dr. Loehr spoke about learning to rewrite our life stories, and in the process redirecting our energy toward what is really most important. He was impassioned and convincing, and had everyone lining up for a book signing following the presentation.

Following Dr. Loehr’s opening, we were able to choose between five presentations every couple of hours. The choices were difficult, as everything was compelling. The good news is that all presentations were handed to us on a flash drive for later viewing. Among the presenters were Paralympians, Paralympic Coaches, Doctors, Recreational and Physical Therapists, and Leaders of cutting-edge adaptive and rehabilitation organizations.

After many amazing (there’s that word again) presentations about organization, athlete development, equipment technology, recruiting, funding, etc, this attendee got a Goal Ball in the face during a hands on experience in a relatively new Paralympic sport. I think I’ll call it a night. More tomorrow.