Disaboom-sponsored Alejandro Albor, world champion handcyclist and double-leg amputee, secured his place on the United States Paralympic Hand Cycling team when, despite a shoulder injury, Albor clinched a first place victory at the Beijing Paralympics Selection Event in Denver on June 6. With this win, Albor joins a group of 11 cyclists who will represent the United States in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China September 6 through 17.
Albor's recent injury occurred while training for the Paralympic Selection Event. He was
struck by a van that ran a four-way stop intersection, which dislocated his clavicle and destroyed his racing handcycle. Although he was under medical care and had to race with his three-pounds-heavier training bike, Albor fought through and triumphed over the competition.
Albor is no stranger to the Paralympic Games. In 2004, he made his debut in Athens, Greece, when handcycling was first introduced as an official Paralympic sport. Albor took home the silver, despite a last-minute rule that did not allow him to use his own racing bike. In that race he had to use the same training bike he used at the Beijing Paralympics Selection Event.
"I want to set an example and let others know that no matter where you come from, or what you have gone through, if you have the determination, you can make your dreams come true," said Albor. "But you have to be willing to work at it. Everyone wants to win, but few are willing to put in the effort that winning requires. When you are willing, winning is within reach."
Denver-based Disaboom (OTCBB: DSBO; www.disaboom.com), the largest online community for people touched by disability, has sponsored Albor throughout his quest to compete at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. In addition, Disaboom is helping to finance a documentary film of Alejandro's life by filmmaker Steven Barber of Vanilla Fire Productions (http://www.vanillafire.com/vanilla.html).
"We are honored to sponsor Alejandro as he continues on this amazing journey," said Dr. Glen House, co-founder of Disaboom. "Anyone touched by a disability understands the challenges and struggles involved in pursuing such a goal, and Alejandro is setting an incredible example of determination. We are thrilled Albor has secured his position on the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team and are very excited about his chances of bringing home the gold."
Disaboom was established in 2007 to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for people touched by disability.For Albor, disaboom.com is a long-awaited resource. "Until Disaboom was established, I had yet to find a place where I could go for information, talk with others in similar situations, share ideas, and gain a sense of community. I am thankful for Disaboom's vision and their belief in me as an athlete and a person."
Visitors to disaboom.com can track Alejandro's quest for the gold by reading his personal blogs and viewing his pictures and videos. They can also root for Albor by connecting with him on Disaboom's Community Section by sending him messages of encouragement, commenting on his blogs and adding him as a friend.
For more information on Disaboom's resources for people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers, please log on to www.disaboom.com.