Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 10, 2014. Today, the U.S. State Department announced that Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) will lead the U.S. Delegation to the Paralympic Games in Sochi. The games will run from March 7th to March 16th.
Since losing both her legs in Iraq in 2004, Duckworth has completed two marathons as part of the Achilles Freedom Team, which mainly compromises wounded Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Last November, Duckworth testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in favor of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of the Paralympic games with such heroic athletes,” said Duckworth. “It is a sad fact that in many countries around the world, the disabled are hidden, considered to be an embarrassment and not afforded the accommodations needed for them to lead productive lives. The athletes of the Paralympic games are an inspiration for the disabled citizens of the world and an example of what we can accomplish.”
“Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, the United States has been the global leader in standing up the rights of persons with disabilities and I am humbled to leads its delegation. I am optimistic that the games in Sochi will inspire the United States Senate to ratify the CRPD and reaffirm America’s standing as a leader for fairness and justice.”
“I hope that the diversity of race, gender and sexual orientation of our American athletes sets an example of inclusiveness for our hosts.”
Source: duckworth.house.gov
