Going for Gold: U-M experts can discuss the 2024 Paralympic Games

EXPERTS ADVISORY

The 2024 Paralympic Games will begin Aug. 28 and run through Sep. 8. University of Michigan experts are available to discuss key topics related to the games, including personal and evolution of adaptive sports at the global, national and collegiate levels.

Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, a leading advocate for adaptive sports and inclusivity, directs Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services, where he oversees Services for Students with Disabilities and the Adaptive Sports & Fitness program. He also serves as an assistant professor of family medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation and at Michigan Medicine. Nationally, he was appointed to President Biden's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and speaks on creating accessible health systems and inclusive sports environments.

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Erik Robeznieks, associate director of Adaptive Sports & Fitness at U-M, previously worked with Wheelchair Basketball Canada, managing operations for the national programs and serving on staff with Team Canada during the Rio 2016 Paralympics. His expertise encompasses the development and management of adaptive sports programs, athlete conditioning and training, and the promotion of inclusivity in sports.

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Chuck Aoki, a three-time U.S. Paralympic Games athlete, currently serves as a community access navigator for U-M's Adaptive Sports & Fitness program. He oversees all aspects of increasing access to and awareness of adaptive sports and fitness opportunities for individuals with SCIs and their medical providers. Aoki competed in wheelchair rugby at three Summer Paralympic Games: London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2021. He earned a bronze medal in London and silver medals at both Rio and Tokyo, where he also had the honor of leading the U.S. athletes as the male flag bearer during the opening ceremony. He is training for the 2024 Games in Paris with the goal of securing a gold medal.

Aoki can provide insights into athlete preparation, adaptive sports programs and the broader impact of adaptive sports programs and initiatives on individuals with disabilities.

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Geoff Burns is a running, physiology and biomechanics researcher at the School of Kinesiology and a sport physiologist with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. His expertise is in running biomechanics and helping elite athletes improve their performance. He is in Paris supporting Team USA athletes during the Paralympic Games.

"In parasport, every athlete is a hyper-unique case study, so I'm constantly learning new subject matter-from thermoregulation in athletes with spinal cord injuries to circadian patterns of individuals with visual impairments to the biomechanics of prosthetics and their influence on performance-which is all like a drug to me," he said. "I get to creatively synthesize it all with traditional sport science tools for the athletes and coaches. It's a total dream."

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Sam Grewe is a U-M medical student preparing for his third Paralympic Games. He is the defending gold medalist in the T63 High Jump, having claimed the title at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. He also won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics in the T42 high jump.

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Leo Merle, a recent graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry, is making his debut at the Paralympic Games. He competed in the 2023 Para World Championships in Paris, where he lowered his American record in the 1,500-meter run and finished fourth in the world.

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KEY TOPICS

Student Athlete Stories

Each Paralympian has an unique and inspiring journey marked by resilience, determination and exceptional talent. These stories highlight the personal challenges and triumphs of collegiate student para-athletes, from overcoming physical and societal barriers to achieving peak performance. Two U-M students will represent the U.S. in Paris: Sam Grewe and Leo Merle.

Cultural Impact

The Paralympic Games promote inclusivity, challenge perceptions of disability, and provide a global platform for raising awareness about disability rights and the importance of accessibility. Explore how the Paralympic Games inspire social change, influence public policy and foster a more inclusive society. Experts: Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, Chuck Aoki

Technological Innovations

Advances in adaptive technologies have enhanced the capabilities and performance of Paralympic athletes. Dive into how these technologies are developed, their impact on performance, and the collaboration between medical professionals and athletes that drive these advancements. Experts: Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, Erik Robeznieks, Geoff Burns

Training/Preparation

Preparing for the Paralympic Games involves rigorous and specialized training regimens tailored to the needs of each athlete. Discuss the physical and mental aspects of training, including nutrition, coaching strategies, strength conditioning and psychological preparation. Experts: Erik Robeznieks, Chuck Aoki, Sam Grewe, Leo Merle, Geoff Burns

History/Trends/Viewership

The Paralympic Games have a rich history dating back to the first official Games in 1960 in Rome. Over the decades, the games have grown in size, scope, and popularity, reflecting broader societal shifts towards greater inclusivity and recognition of athletes with disabilities. Experts: Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, Erik Robeznieks

For information on the 2024 Paralympic Games, visit the U-M's Adaptive Sports & Fitness website.

Stay updated with the latest news and stories from the 2024 Paralympic Games by following U-M Adaptive Sports and Fitness on Instagram: @umichadaptivesports

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