My internship experience within the workplace has mainly revolved around the military sport camps that US Paralympics runs, which are are co-sponsored by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. These camps are multi-day events and took place in San Antonio, TX at Fort Sam Houston army base and in San Diego at the Naval Air Station North Island. These camps are designed to engage physically disabled veterans and military servicemen in sports and physical activities to help in the rehabilitation process and get them back on their feet. Many veterans struggle with their disability and sport is an avenue for them to reconnect and realize that there is life after injury. Additionally, certain individuals with the potential for higher competition are identified for possible training for the Paralympic Games. My responsibilities for these camps were assisting in registrations, confirmations, travel and accommodations and the role of one of four team leaders during the actual camp. As a group leader I was responsible for ¼ of the camp members and was able to participate with them in many of the sports such as wheelchair basketball, sit volleyball, hand cycling, archery, equestrian, strength and conditioning, and track and field. Many of my group members shared their stories with me and mentioned that this was one the best weeks they’ve had in years. It was great to travel to these camps and it was very inspiring to see the veterans participate in these camps.
Away from the workplace has been great as well. Being surrounded by mountains, the scenery here is incredible and I have been able to experience Colorado through hiking the incline (where yes I was beaten by Liz), the cog rail up Pike’s Peak, the Garden of the Gods, the Royal Gorge, Jack Quinn’s weekly runs, a Colorado Rockies game, a frigid Air Force football game, and many other activities and nights out with the intern class. My fellow interns are a good group and we have had a good time throughout our internships to date. Together we have been participating in the Intern Olympics which was previously mentioned and we are also spending Thanksgiving break together in Breckenridge. I’m sure there are more great experiences to come in the second half of our internship (right chillens?). Be sure to read subsequent posts about the other intern’s experiences inside and outside the USOC.
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Tom Therkildsen
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