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US Paralympians Sue for Equal Treatment

Complain about disparities with able-bodied Olympians

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2008 4:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – When the Paralympics opened today in Beijing, American Tony Iniguez proudly wore his uniform—but he’s also suing the US Olympic Program that provided it. Iniguez, like many of his teammates, believes paralympians deserve the same benefits as their able-bodied counterparts. His suit, filed with two retired wheelchair racers, is headed for the Supreme Court after a frustrated lower court judge ruled for USOP, the New York Times reports.

The program currently provides healthcare to only some paralympians, forcing many to get full-time jobs. “I’m going to do my best over there, believe me,” says Iniguez, “but I can’t help but wonder what I could do if I’d been able to fully train.” USOP says Paralympians don’t generate enough revenue, but the program may be changing its ways: Paralympic spending swelled from $3 million in 2004 to $11.4 million this year.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

United State's Paralympics team attend the opening ceremony for the Beijing Paralympic Games held in Beijing, China, Saturday, Sep. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

John Ruf leaves the dock after competing in the Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta in Miami Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008. Ruf, 39, will represent the US in the 2008 Paralympics in China. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Melissa Stockwell, right, of the United States, chats with coach Jimi Flowers during a team training session for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, Sept. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

The USA faces Great Britain in a Paralympics basketball game. (Getty Images)

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Just to know that other countries can man up and support their Paralympic athletes, and we’re not, it’s disappointing. - Kortney Clemons, disabled veteran and paralympian

On paper, it looks absolutely atrocious—I’m aware of that—but the Olympics is big business. - Marlon Shirley, US champion
amputee sprinter

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US Paralympians Sue for Equal Treatment