This event is the lone opportunity for swimmers to qualify for the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Team to compete in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, September 17-28, 2004. The team of 41 athletes (27 women and 14 men) will be nominated at the close of the Trials on Sunday, April 25th.

This meet will also serve as the 2004 USA Swimming Disability Championships, and Championship medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each event. A medal ceremony will take place during each Final session, where all gold medalists will be recognized.

The Trials are open to the public, and media are encouraged to attend. Interviews with Paralympic athletes will be available. To register for media credentials, please contact Dean Ekeren at (719)866-4578 or via email at dekeren@usa-swimming.org. Requests must be made no later than Friday, April 16, 2004.

WHAT:

2004 U.S. Paralympics Swimming Trials

WHO:

Athletes with physical disabilities, athletes who are blind and visually impaired, athletes with cognitive disabilities and athletes who are deaf

WHEN:

Thursday, April 22 – Saturday, April 24, 2004

WHERE:

University of Minnesota Aquatic Center

1910 University Ave. SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455

CONTACTS:

For media credentials:

Dean Ekeren, USA Swimming – (719)4578 or dekeren@usa-swimming.org

U.S. Paralympics:

Julie O’Neill, Swimming Program Manager – (719)866-2036 or julie.o’neill@usoc.org

Beth Bason, Communications Coordinator – (719)866-2039 or beth.bason@usoc.org