Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba today announced that the New York City Sports Commission has enhanced its current web site to include a section that will provide people with disabilities with information regarding adaptive sports in New York City. New Yorkers interested in learning more about adaptive sports in New York City can log on to the Sports Commission's web site at www.nyc.gov/sports.

"I am delighted that as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act we have created an important resource for New Yorkers with disabilities," said Mayor Giuliani. "Today, a growing number of the more than 50 million people with disabilities in the United States are experiencing the joys and challenges of sports recreation and, as a result, are developing greater self esteem, athletic skills and the perseverance to overcome obstacles."

The Sports Commission's Adaptive Sports section provides information about venue accessibility, schedules of sporting events for people with disabilities, information about national and local organizations that offer sports programming, and links to similar web sites.

Dick Traum, President and Founder of the Achilles Track Club, said, "For the first time New Yorkers with disabilities can go to one resource to gather information about adaptive sports programming. The City of New York is providing an exciting opportunity for people with disabilities to learn more about the benefits of sports participation and those organizations that provide the necessary support."

Commissioner Podziba said, "We're very proud to introduce this new section to our web site. It will provide access to information for people with disabilities that previously did not exist, and we look forward to working with New York's disabilities and sports communities to provide information about opportunities in sports for children and adults with disabilities."

New Yorkers with information on events, competitions or organizations that should be added to the Sports Commission's web site should call (212) 788-8389.

www.nyc.gov