On a trip to Colorado Springs my husband and I visited the United States Olympic Training Center . I hope these photos help you understand why his facility is called the “flagship” training center. Both Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Team USA train here.
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Life Lessons from Team USA
As much as I admire the elite athletes who comprise the Olympic team, the Paralympic athletes captivate my imagination.
These are athletes who compete with, not necessarily despite, significant physical impairments; but to call them “disabled” does them an injustice. Many of them play and compete in physically demanding sports without full use of their arms and legs; some don’t even have all of their arms and legs.
As we walked around the complex on a guided tour, I remembered the importance of physical activity for our physical and mental health, and made a note to remind you too. Almost no one will disagree with the recommendation to include and increase physical activity in our daily lives.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for moderate-intensive physical activity for 150 minutes or more per week, vigorous-intensity activity for at least 75 minutes per week, or an equivalent combination of the 2, and engaging in muscle strengthening activity at least twice per week.
- Medical studies show that exercise can prevent or improve many chronic health conditions and lack of exercise contributes to many diseases.
- Physical activity may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, uterus, prostate and pancreas.
- Regular exercise may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.
- Exercise can relieve joint and back pain due to arthritis.
- Depression is treated with physical activity successfully
As we walked through the USA Shooting area I picked up a flyer titled “Winning Attitudes”. I liked what it said so I am using some of the ideas to illustrate my photos. I hope they will encourage you to develop a “winning attitude” in all areas of your life.
Enjoy this brief tour through the Olympic Complex and if you go to Colorado Springs, be sure and visit; the cost is reasonable and worth the price.
Become excited, confident, and enthusiastic about your goals.
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
Winners focus on solutions, not problems.
Winners have positive attitudes in all elements of their lives. The more you think about, talk about, and write about a thing happening, the greater the certainty of that thing happening.
Goals should identify minimum performance levels. They should never limit your performance.
Real winners are champions in life, not just in sports.
Missing a goal means setting another goal to strive for.
A champion constantly learns and improves.
Champions are willing to risk a little in the short run to gain an advantage in the long run
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
Excellence is achieved only through constant pursuit.
Are YOU a CHAMPION?
watercress words by Dr Aletha 