There are many other stories about the University's commitment to the Paralympic Games. Below is a list of story ideas and experts in the field of disabled athletics.

The role of sports in enhancing quality of life for the disabled.
John Dunn, Ed.D., professor and dean of the College of Health is an expert in physical activity for the disabled and how sports improve life for people with disabilities. Dunn is the chair of the 6th Paralympic Congress, a group charged with looking at ways to make disabled athletic competition better, and also the lives of all people with disabilities. This year's congress was to precede the games in Salt Lake City, but had to be cancelled following September 11th. Chinese Olympic officials have contacted Dunn about the possibility of leading the congress at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing

Medical Needs of Para-athletes
How do medical needs of para-athletes differ from those of athletes in the Olympics? Stuart Willick, M.D., is medical director of the Polyclinic and specializes in physical and rehab medicine. He says Paralympians require specialized treatments and his staff is prepared to deal with any medical condition that may arise.

Classification of para-athletes for competition
Trish Jensen, a recreation therapist and rehab coordinator at University Hospital is director of athlete classification for the Paralympics. Athletes are classified to compete in different events at different levels depending on the severity of their disability. Jensen will oversee the staff of classifiers during the Games.

Mono ski design improvements
Students at the University of Utah's Center for Engineering Design are working to improve equipment for disabled skiers. Mechanical engineering students work on modifications to the mono ski every year as part of their senior design project. A mono ski is a seat with a single ski attached to the base. Students do this in partnership with the National Ability Center in Park City.

Athlete profiles
Keith Barney - Keith is a University Hospital social worker in the spinal cord unit. A hunting accident at age14 damaged his spinal cord and left him unable to walk. He'll represent the U.S. in the Paralympic Games in the Biathlon and cross-country skiing.

Steve Cook - Steve is a University student who will represent the United States in cross-country skiing. He is the reigning world champion. Cook, now 33 and living in Salt Lake City, lost his lower right leg in a farming accident in northwestern Montana when he was 18.