printable versionBlauwet to champion sports for disabled in global campaign
Med student Cheri Blauwet readies for the start of the 2005 Boston Marathon. As a two-time winner of the event, she has become a leading figure in promoting disability sport.
Third-year medical student Cheri Blauwet, one of the world's most accomplished Paralympic athletes, will be traveling to Ethiopia this month to help launch a new sports program to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities.
Blauwet, who will be joined by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, is making the trip as part of a campaign to call attention to the concerns of disabled and disadvantaged individuals around the world. It is organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation's Sports for Life program, which uses sport to help rehabilitate and empower landmine survivors and victims of conflict in war-torn regions around the world.
Blauwet is a seven-time Paralympic medalist, earning gold and two bronze in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games; and silver and three bronze in Sydney. She is also the 2004 and 2005 Boston Marathon Champion, as well as the three-time winner of the Los Angeles Marathon.
"I am involved with Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation as another chance to spread and share the positive influence sports can have on changing attitudes and lives," said Blauwet. "Through Sports for Life, I'm eager to share the opportunity for athletic involvement with the worldwide community of people with disabilities. I want to teach others that anything is possible."
Blauwet and Lewis are planning to tour a VVAF rehabilitation clinic in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. During their visit, they intend to pay particular attention to the needs of youths with disabilities.