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Green, Stephens to appear on NBC’s Today to mark two weeks from Opening Ceremonies
By Beth Bourgeois
// U.S. Paralympics
// February 23, 2006
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| Photo by Getty Images |
Laurie Stephens, pictured after winning a World Cup giant slalom Jan. 31 in Japan, will join Ralph Green in the Feb. 24 Today show appearance.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – 2006 U.S. Paralympic Alpine Ski Team members Ralph Green (Brooklyn, N.Y./Vail Colo.) and Laurie Stephens (Wenham, Mass.) will be featured on NBC’s Today, Friday, February 24th. The piece will air live from Torino, Italy during the 9:00 a.m. E.T. slot to mark two weeks prior to the Opening Ceremonies for the 2006 Paralympic Games in Torino, Italy.
Green, the only African-American male to make the U.S. Paralympics Alpine National Team, landed two top-ten World Cup finishes during the 2004-2005 season. At the age of 16, Green lost his leg after being shot while walking down a Brooklyn street. He will be joined on the show by teammate Laurie Stephens. Stephens, who has spina bifida, swept all of the World Cup titles in all four alpine disciplines and was named the World Cup Overall champion.
Green appeared on the Jan. 28 edition of Weekend Today while contesting a position on the 2006 U.S. Paralympic Alpine Ski Team. Now that he’s been named to the team, he and Stephens will join the rest of their squad in Artesina, Italy for the IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals, Feb. 27-Mar. 3, before returning to Torino for the 2006 Paralympic Games.
“Our goal is to build the Paralympic brand with a focus on reaching millions of Americans through established media outlets,” said Jim Scherr, USOC Chief Executive Officer. “NBC’s Today has been instrumental in increasing the exposure of our athletes amongst the American public; the coverage has helped build awareness and support for our athletes and team.”
Today is viewed daily in over six-million households across the United States.
During the 2006 Paralympic Games, Today will feature a second segment on alpine skier Lacey Heward (Boise, Idaho), as well as competition results; an airdate is forthcoming.
“Our NBC Today coverage will reach more than 18 million Americans,” said Scherr.
The 2006 Paralympic Games kick off March 10 and run through the 19th. Over 600 athletes from 41 countries will compete in four sports: Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, Sled Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.
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