Local Athletes Chosen to Attend as Observers to the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver

By Paul Slomski, WSC Contributor

Two local athletes were selected by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee to join as observers the 2010 Paralympic Experience Vancouver delegation.  Eric Phillips, a 19 year-old, rookie basketball player for the Chicago Fire Wheelchair Basketball Team and Nina Nissly, a 15 year-old freshman at Lake Forest High School and part of the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association wheelchair basketball, sled hockey and swim team, were part of a group of athletes representing 13 different states.
 

Keith Wallace, head coach of the Chicago Fire and CEO/Founder of the Midwest Wheelchair Sport and Social Club nominated Eric to represent his sport and the State of IL because of Eric’s “huge potential.”  A lifelong basketball fan, Eric was excited for the opportunity to attend the Games to see up close and personal the type of dedication and drive it takes to compete at that level and he is “going to try hard to head in that direction” as an athlete.  “Being a rookie, that’s the hardest part, just trying to learn everything about the sport right now,” is his biggest challenge and he valued this trip as a tremendous learning experience.

While Keri Schindler, Nina’s coach nominated her because “She is one of the most upbeat and positive kids I have ever meet. She has such a can do attitude about life and is always open to trying new things. She is a real mentor and role model for our younger athletes who she helps coach. I feel so lucky to have Nina in our programs and I am so excited about this opportunity for her.”  Nina was honored to be a part of the delegation because she “felt that others have noticed all my hard work toward making my dream come true of becoming a Paralympian.”  She watched the various events and athletes closely to “apply the techniques the Paralympic athletes use into my own sports at home.”

The delegation traveled to Vancouver March 11-17 and had the opportunity to meet U.S. Paralympic Team members, attended the Opening Ceremony and athletic competitions, and built camaraderie with student athletes from other countries.  Schindler was part of the delegation for the 2006 games in Turin and called it one of the highlights of her personal and professional life.  This year she traveled with the delegation again as an official member of the staff.

A panel of USOC staff members reviewed the applications and selected student athletes based on an essay or video that discussed how sport has positively impacted their lives. Coaches, teachers and program leaders were chosen based on their experience and a personal statement.

In addition, one other distinguished Paralympian attended the opening ceremonies as part of the 2010 White House Delegation, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and 2008 Summer Paralympic swimmer Melissa Stockwell, who participated in the 100 free, the 400 free and the 100 fly in Beijing. “I was completely floored and honored that I would be asked to be a part of such a big event.  I couldn't be more honored and proud to attend the Paralympic Opening ceremony as part of the US presidential delegation and represent the country I love so much,” explained Stockwell.

Highlights of the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games can be viewed at Paralympic Sport TV.