The $400,000 (£273,000) programme is the first of its kind in the United States, and it aims to provide the visually and physically impaired with the expertise and resources needed to get involved in Paralympic sports.

 

It will officially begin operation in February 2009 and, besides Chicago 2016, will be supported by World Sport Chicago (WSC), US Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), and ten partner agencies. 

 

Patrick G. Ryan, the chairman and chief executive of Chicago 2016, said: “Traditionally, visually and physically impaired people face a number of challenges when they try to get involved in sports.

 

"There are a number of barriers, including inadequate coaching or equipment, or a lack of reliable transportation to training locations, which make it difficult to get involved.

 

"The Paralympic Development Programme will provide expertise and resources that will allow more people to become involved with Paralympic sport.”

 

The development programme will initially be exclusive to Chicago and other areas of Northern Illinois, with the goal of eventually replicating it in other cities across the country.

 

The USOC will provide national team coaches to lead ongoing “train the trainers” clinics for local area coaches interested in Paralympic sport.

 

The USOC will also be providing Paralympic coaches and athletes to participate in clinics which will introduce children to Paralympic sports, and provide them with the best coaching and equipment for each sport.

 

At first, there will be an emphasis on cycling, judo and boccia.

 

Charlie Huebner, the head of US Paralympics for the USOC, said: “We are very proud to be part of the new Chicago Paralympic Development Programme.

 

"Regular physical activity has a profound and positive impact on the lives of people with visual and physical disabilities. 

 

"This world-class programme will not only serve individuals in the local community, it will also play an important role in the expansion of Paralympic programs across the country.”      

 

Bill Scherr, the chairman of World Sport Chicago, an organisation dedicated to improving Olympic and Paralympc sport in Illinois, said: “The launch of the Chicago Paralympic Development Programme shows Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago’s commitment to establishing a long-term presence of Olympic and Paralympic sports in Chicago.

 

"We’re excited about the opportunity to continue to introduce Paralympic sports to the visually and physically impaired and equip them with the resources they need to succeed.”