U.S. PARALYMPICS: Babington hired as Cycling Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Paralympics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2005

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. Paralympics has hired Rick Babington (Shadow Hills, Calif.) to serve as its Cycling Outreach Coordinator for the West Coast. The position will call for Babington to develop and implement a long-term program that identifies and recruits athletes for the Paralympic cycling program.

A majority of Babington’s focus will be in Southern California, where there are three velodromes and numerous cycling clubs, with which he will look to form relationships with disabled organizations in the area. He will also serve as the source for disseminating information about Paralympic cycling in Southern California and provide coaching at designated activities.

In addition to his new duties as coordinator, Babington, 45, works as a pro-level coach for Carmichael Training Systems and an elite-level coach for USA Cycling. His coaching career began in 1979 with USA Roller Sports. He then progressed to guide endurance athletes in cycling, multi-sport and running disciplines through the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Babington’s first work with U.S. Paralympics came in 2004, when he was selected as Head Coach for the 2004 Paralympic Cycling Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Sonya Norris, Cycling Program Manager for U.S. Paralympics, said Babington was the logical choice for the job.

“He’s local, he’s an experienced coach and he’s coaching one of our elite athletes (Scott Gadberry),” Norris said. “He’s the perfect candidate for the position.”

Babington said he wants to raise awareness of the Paralympic Cycling program, on both road and track, not only in the disabled community, but also in the eyes of the general public.

Babington can be reached at (818) 399-1413 or at rbabington@trainright.com

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U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement, and to promoting excellence in the lives of all persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics website at www.usparalympics.org.
posted by Alfred at 12:42 PM