We at Kunes are proud to partner with WASA for the upcoming Paralympics. The Paralympics, officially known as the Paralympic Games, are a major international multi-sport event featuring athletes with a range of disabilities, including impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, vision impairment, and intellectual impairment. These Games are held immediately after the Olympic Games, using the same host city and venues. By partnering with the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA), we aim to support their mission of providing sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. WASA's dedication to enhancing the quality of life through physical fitness, self-esteem, and community building aligns with our values at Kunes. We are excited to collaborate on this initiative, contributing to the empowerment and celebration of adaptive athletes at the Paralympics.

We are also thrilled to acknowledge that Toyota is the official car sponsor of the Paralympics. Toyota's commitment to the Paralympic Movement reflects its dedication to promoting mobility and inclusivity for all, which complements our shared goals with WASA.

The origins of the Paralympics trace back to World War II when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition for WWII veterans with spinal cord injuries in Stoke Mandeville, England, in 1948. This event, known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, is considered the precursor to the Paralympic Games. The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), established in 1989, is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC's vision is "to make for an inclusive world through Para sport," ensuring the Paralympic Games are conducted with the highest standards of fairness and sportsmanship.

The Paralympic Games include a wide variety of sports, such as athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, and para-cycling. Athletes are classified based on their disabilities to ensure fair competition among those with similar impairments.

The Paralympic Games symbolize the capabilities and achievements of people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about disability issues. They inspire millions worldwide and emphasize the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities in sports and society.

WASA is dedicated to providing sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for these individuals by promoting physical fitness, self-esteem, and a sense of community through various adaptive sports programs.

• Mission and Vision: WASA's mission is to provide individuals with physical disabilities opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activities, aiming to create an inclusive community where adaptive sports are accessible to all.
• Programs and Activities: WASA offers a wide range of adaptive sports programs, including wheelchair basketball, adaptive skiing, adaptive cycling, and sled hockey, catering to different ability levels and interests.
• Community and Support: WASA provides a supportive community where participants can connect with others with similar experiences, offering resources, coaching, and support to help individuals achieve their athletic goals.
• Events and Competitions: WASA organizes events and competitions to showcase the talents of adaptive athletes, raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in sports.
• Partnerships and Sponsorships: WASA collaborates with various organizations, sponsors, and volunteers to support their programs and expand their reach, providing essential resources and funding.
• Volunteer and Donation Opportunities: WASA relies on volunteers and donors to sustain their programs, offering various opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved, whether through volunteering time, providing financial support, or donating equipment.