Ohio HSAA To Allow Wheelchair Athletes To Compete At Track State Tournament

http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20120608/SPORTS/206080315

The OHSAA’s board on Thursday approved a recommendation to add eight wheelchair championship events in track and field.

“This is something we have talked about for some time now and I’m thrilled that our Board of Directors has taken the formal step to make this a reality,” OHSAA commissioner Dan Ross said.

Under the OHSAA’s board recommendation, girls and boys would compete separately in the 100, 400, 800 and the shot put. Participants will wear school uniforms and be awarded individual honors but won’t score points for their teams.

The top eight boys’ and top eight girls’ performances in each event during the regular season will qualify eligible athletes to participate in the state finals regardless of their schools’ athletic division assignments.

“There are many athletes with disabilities that participate in sports, but often they are segregated from other athletes,” said Pam Patula, executive director of Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living in Lancaster. “This will be a great way for them to participate at the same events and be with other athletes. It is all about inclusion and participation. This opportunity will allow these extremely talented athletes the opportunity to shine in front of large crowds. Unfortunately the current venues don’t always provide them the visibility they deserve.”

The athletic association said Ohio will be among about a dozen states that include wheelchair athletes in a state tournament.

“The impact on the young athletes with physical disabilities participating in this championship will be incredible,” said Charlie Huebner, U.S. Olympic Committee Chief of Paralympics, in a news release announcing the change. “They will be representing their schools and communities in ways that have never been seen in Ohio. I commend the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the state track and field coaches association for making this dream a reality for the athletes participating in Paralympic sport.”

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