Desert Storm veteran and two-time Paralympian John Register has partnered with an initiative by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) called Plastics Make it PossibleSM to attempt to raise more than $25,000 for the Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN). ADN is a subsidiary of Easter Seals-Michigan that provides services and mentorship for athletes with disabilities. Plastics Make it Possible will match the first $25,000 in donations to ADN made through its website through April 30.
“Organizations like Athletes with Disabilities Network can make such an amazing difference in people’s lives, helping them through what is otherwise a very traumatic time dealing with the loss of a limb. And being an amputee myself, I know how important that is,” Register said. “Participating in sports can really help amputees feel ‘normal’ again, and today’s prostheses-made from plastic, aluminum and composite materials-are so well-designed and functional that virtually no activity is out of reach.”
Elizabeth Taylor, executive director of ADN, added, “For many people who have suffered the trauma of limb loss, getting involved in sports and continuing to pursue activities that they previously enjoyed can make a huge difference in their recoveries, self-confidence, and quality of life…. We’ve seen firsthand how innovations in prosthetic technology have helped athletes to not only overcome the trauma of limb loss, but flourish in international events like the Paralympics as well as our own Extremity Games. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Plastics Make it Possible to help inspire a whole new generation of disabled athletes to ‘go for the gold.'”
ADN operates and organizes the Extremity Games, as well as the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, which ADN describes as “the only hall of fame completely dedicated to honoring individuals with disabilities for sport and recreation achievement.”
“From carbon fiber technology used for shock absorption to custom-fitted sockets made from resilient polycarbonates, plastics are a vital part of the innovative, active prostheses that are used by disabled athletes in the Paralympics and any sports they typically enjoy,” said Steve Russell, vice president, plastics division, of the ACC. “The Paralympics are a wonderful demonstration of what these amazing athletes can do in spite of amputations or other disabilities, and we are thrilled to be able to raise money for an organization like Athletes with Disabilities Network to help inspire a whole new generation of athletes.”
