The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Edmond, has been recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) with a Rings of Gold Award for its efforts in advancing elite Paralympic sport. The award is one of four that will be presented at the annual Olympic and Paralympic Assembly slated for September 25-26 in Chicago, Illinois.
A U.S. Paralympic Training Site since 2005 (and also now a U.S. Olympic Training Site), UCO is home to the Endeavor Games, a nationally recognized competition that allows all athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments to participate in a multisport event. The 15th edition of the games were held in June, attracting 340 competitors from nearly 40 states across the country. Additionally, UCO teamed with U.S. Paralympics and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to serve more than 500 injured active duty service men and women and disabled veterans, providing introductory and emerging Paralympic sport training.