The 2016 Summer Olympic Games occur in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next month.
This reminds me of my visit to the United States Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both Olympic and Paralympic athletes train and live here.The facilities are state of the art, modern and open to the public for visits and tours.
I told you about my visit last year, so here is a recap of that post with some additional photos .
brief history of the Olympic Games
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 was reminded of 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.
True confidence is based on the thoroughness of preparation.
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
“Olympic Strength” statue- four athletes supporting the world with a figure skater beside them
Winners focus on solutions, not problems.
wheelchairs adapted for playing
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.
on display in the Hall of Fame
Goals should identify minimum performance levels. They should never limit your performance.
a real “olympic sized” swimming pool
Real winners are champions in life, not just in sports.
Runner Tyson Gay and gymnast Mary Lou Retton in the Hall of Fame
Missing a goal means setting another goal to strive for.
multi use gymnasium
A champion constantly learns and improves.
words to train by and live by
Champions are willing to risk a little in the short run to gain an advantage in the long run.
2 athletes hard at work
Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.
I may not be a competitive athlete, but I will stay as active as possible as long as possible.
Look out Raymond!
A champion constantly learns and improves .
passing the torch
Excellence is achieved only through constant pursuit.
The athletes live, eat, and sleep here.
Real winners are champions in life, not just sports.
