University of Central Oklahoma Hosts U.S. Soldiers Injured in Iraq at the Sixth Annual Endeavor Games.

EDMOND, Okla. -- Oklahoma Chapter of Disabled Sports USA Supports American War Veterans and Their Families' Participation in Fifteen Sport, Weekend-Long Event in Edmond

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), a chapter of Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA), today announced the 2005 Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical Disabilities, an event created to teach people with disabilities participation in adaptive sports. The sixth annual Endeavor Games will take place in Edmond, Oklahoma, June 9-12, and offers anyone with a physical disability the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, including wheelchair basketball, archery, powerlifting, shooting, tennis, table tennis, softball, swimming, boccia and track and field events. As a continuation of Disabled Sports USA's 38 year history of rebuilding the lives of disabled veterans, UCO will partner with DS/USA to host U.S. soldiers who were severely injured during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as special guests at the event. In total, more than 20 soldiers and their families will participate.

"Immediately after I was injured in Iraq, I never even dreamed of participating in an event like the Endeavor Games," said Army Spc. Kevin Pannell, 1st Cavalry division, 9th regiment, who lost both legs -- above the knee on the left side and below the knee on the right -- in Bagdhad. "With the support of DS/USA, I know I will have all the encouragement and physical training I need to once again try the sports I love, and I am even looking forward to some friendly competition at the event. Most importantly, I know that my participation in sports will inspire others who are overcoming their physical disabilities."

The Endeavor Games were created because of recognition that there was a need for a multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities. Participation in the Games has more than tripled since inception; approximately 300 disabled athletes from all over the world are expected to participate in 2005. Athletes are encouraged to participate in more than one event, and Olympic-style gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third place will be awarded in each event. In addition to the multitude of competitive sports offered this year, the staff of the Endeavor Games has added a day to the event to accommodate training clinics for athletes, volunteers and coaches. The special guests will participate in hands-on instruction courses in wheelchair fencing, sit volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming and the Third Annual First Step Clinic, an inspiring session for amputees who wish to participate in track and field events.

"Disabled Sports USA is proud to partner with the University of Central Oklahoma to sponsor this event and host as special guests our fine service men and women. These soldiers have put their lives on the line for freedom, and we will to be there to help them in their hour of need," said Kirk Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA. "As a disabled Vietnam veteran, I know that their adjustment back to normal life will be challenging. I also know that they will have such a positive experience at the UCO Endeavor Games and will leave knowing that they can still accomplish their dreams in life."

Participants in the Games will also be invited to the Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 10, at the Hamilton Field House, UCO. The University is also sponsoring a luncheon on Saturday, June 11, and a banquet on Saturday night where a video of the 2005 competition will be screened.

"We are honored to have the chance to host these amazing soldiers for the weekend at the Endeavor Games," said Katrina Shaklee, assistant director of UCO Disabled Sports and Events. "The entire City of Edmond is rallying behind this unique opportunity and we hope to provide the soldiers with a weekend full of inspiration and opportunity."

Sponsors of the event include: title sponsor, University of Central Oklahoma; platinum sponsor, Valir Rehabilitation Hospital; diamond sponsors, Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warriors Project; and gold sponsors, Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics and Renda Broadcasting.

For athletes interested in participating in the event, registration and additional background information can be found at www.ucok.edu/wellnesscenter/ds_home.htm.

About UCO Sports and Events

UCO Disabled Sports and Events is a division of the Wellness Center on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma. In December of 2004, UCO absorbed The Sports Group, which was created in 2000 to provide quality sports programs to athletes from Oklahoma and beyond. The Sports Group's first "endeavor" was the organization of the Endeavor Games, which was held for the first time in 2000. Since then, The Sports Group added numerous programs, such as the Endeavor Games, BlazeSports Edmond, the Oklahoma Amputeee Golf Tournament, U Kan Ski and is a member of the Paralympic Academy. UCO is proud to now be offering these exciting programs and is looking forward to adding more programs and events in the future, all for the benefit of physically disabled athletes.

About Disabled Sports USA

Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through sports, recreation and educational programs. The organization is the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organization and serves more than 60,000 people nationwide. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DS/USA conducts regional, national and international training camps and competitions to prepare athletes for the Paralympic Games -- the international Olympic-sanctioned competitions for athletes with physical disabilities. DS/USA also offers sports rehabilitation programs through its nationwide network of over 80 community-based chapters. More information is available at www.dsusa.org.