Another group of extraordinary athletes made its way to Beijing this week in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Officials used the optical focus of a concave mirror yesterday to light the Paralympic flame at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. A 9-day torch relay will precede the games, which are scheduled to run September 6-17.

In conjunction with the games, Invacare Corp, Elyria, Ohio, and Invacare Top End, the company’s sports and recreation division, recently launched an online feature dedicated to Team Invacare athletes who are participating in the Paralympics. The Paralympics is the largest and most celebrated athletic competition in the world for athletes with disabilities. 

The Invacare Web site highlights racing, handcycling, tennis, and basketball athletes. Viewers can click on their favorite event to read athlete bios and check out photos. Some of the athletes have video files that are posted to the Web site where viewers can tune in to hear their gripping and varied stories. The site also highlights Top End’s cutting edge sports and recreation technology. Representatives from Top End will be at the Paralympics, so the Web site will be updated regularly with medal counts, news, and event information. Additional information is available on the official Paralympics Web site.

The following sports will be represented at the games:
Powerlifting
Volleyball Sitting
Wheelchair Rugby
Shooting
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Tennis
Goalball
Boccia
Equestrian
Football 7-a-Side
Football 5-a-Side

Judo
Rowing
Swimming
Cycling
Sailing
Athletics
Archery
Table Tennis