Spire Institute Hosts Send-off of USA Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team to London Paralympic Games

SPIRE Institute is hosting a Paralympic send-off event for the USA Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team. SPIRE is looking to get as many individuals to attend as posible to show the same support for these Paralympians as the Olympians in London now. The event will include the team's final intrasquad scrimmage and guest speakers that include Olympic swimming gold medalist, Diana Munz. End Quote

Cleveland-Lorain-Elyria, OH (1888PressRelease) August 08, 2012 - SPIRE Institute will be hosting a send-off event on Saturday, August 25 for the USA Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team as they head to the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Team USA has been training at SPIRE, one of the largest athletic competition and training complexes in the world, in preparation to take on the world in London. "SPIRE provides us with world-class facilities and services that are second to none that I have seen during my career playing the sport internationally. Our chances of performing our best are stronger as a result of our SPIRE partnership. We are excited to represent SPIRE, Northeast Ohio and the USA while we are in London!" co-captain Will Waller said.

The USA Men's Wheelchair Team has not seen the medal stand since the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games and it has been 24 years since their last gold medal. However, the veteran-heavy team is coming off a first place finish in May at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, England and expectations to reach the top of the podium in London are high.

The send-off at SPIRE will follow the team's final intrasquad scrimmage the morning of the 25th, which will be open to the public. Come see how the sport of wheelchair basketball is performed at its highest level and support the team! Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Diana Munz, will speak during the event. Also speaking is a representative from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Help send the team to London in true Cleveland style! During the event, gourmet chefs at SPIRE Fuel will prepare hors' doeuvres and refreshments for everyone. Following the event, SPIRE Fuel will offer a discounted Olympic lunch special to the public.

As the wheelchair team departs SPIRE, there will be a procession led by law enforcement to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport. There, the Paralympians will be greeted by Ohio boy and girl scouts, civic groups and individuals looking to wish the Wheelchair Basketball team the best of luck one last time as they set off on their quest for a gold medal!

To get involved in the send-off, please contact Davis Trosin at 517-879-8227 or dtrosin ( @ ) spireinstitute dot org dot

Media, please sign in with Davis Trosin at the SPIRE front desk.
Schedule of Events
9:00-10:30 a.m.- Final Scrimmage
12:00 p.m.- Send-off Event at SPIRE
12:45 p.m.- Departure from SPIRE
1:45 p.m.- Arrive at Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Price: Free of charge
Location: SPIRE Institute, 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva, Ohio 44041

About SPIRE Institute:
SPIRE Institute, in Geneva, Ohio, integrates sports and education, training and wellness with a focus on the development of the whole self. It features 750,000 sq. ft. of Olympic grade facilities under roof, acres of outdoor fields and a multi-sport stadium complex. SPIRE and its nationally renowned coaches offer residential high school and post grad academy programs, summer and holiday camps, and weekend training sessions in soccer, track & field, volleyball, swimming and basketball(with more sports to follow). Junior athletes train alongside collegians, professionals, wounded veterans, Olympians, Paralympians and masters level athletes. SPIRE features athletic development programs with Michael Johnson Performance, mental skills training, sports medicine, nutrition and wellness programs, and a variety of customized high school and collegiate academic options. SPIRE can simultaneously host clubs, leagues, tournaments and championship events, in multiple sports, no matter the weather or the season.

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