It will be the first time three sports will be contested concurrently in US Paralympics’ history, with the staging of the competitions from June 30 to July 2 set to be organised by the Partners for Parks Foundation, a non-profit organisation aiming to promote and enhance parks throughout the area.

US Paralympics hope the close proximity of venues, such as the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center and the Irwin Belk Complex at Johnson C. Smith University, will encourage family, fans and spectators to move from competition to competition, throughout the duration of the three-day event as athletes chase qualification for the Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The closeness and high quality nature of the venues were one of the key reasons for the selection of the city for the trials, with other factors considered including its local accommodations and transport.

“With top-notch venues, convenient proximity between locations and with its renowned hospitality, we know Charlotte will be an incredible host for the 2016 US Paralympic Team Trials,” said Rick Adams, chief of Paralympic Sport and National Governing Body Organisational Development at the United States Olympic Committee.

“Charlotte presents the perfect opportunity to shine a light on Paralympic sport and to set the stage for some outstanding performances and incredible success for Team USA in advance of Rio.

“We thank Partners for Parks for its commitment to hosting a great event, and we thank the people of Charlotte for their support of America’s Paralympic athletes.”

The Paralympic trials are set to be the largest in American history as more than 400 athletes are expected to compete.

Following the completion of the competition on July 3, a celebration will be held as the official US team line-up for the three sports will be announced for Rio 2016.

Doug Youngblood, president of Partners for Parks believes the trials will be a great event for both the athletes and the community.

“Partners for Parks Foundation is really excited and feeling blessed to be chosen to host this event in Charlotte,” he said.

“We have received great support from other organizations to manage the different events.

“Charlotte Flights Track and Field Club, SwimMac Carolina, Bike Line of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and the support of many others such as Visit Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University, University City Partners and the Metrolina Paralympic Sports Club will make this a great partnership event for our community and region.

“We are looking forward to supporting, caring for and entertaining these great athletes in their quest to represent the United States at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.”

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