U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site

In February of 2003, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) licensed Lakeshore Foundation as the first-ever, official USOC Training Site for both Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Lakeshore Foundation earned this unique designation because of its long history of contributions to athletics for individuals with physical disabilities; its world-class facilities designed specifically to meet the needs of athletes with physical disabilities, while also accommodating able-bodied athletes; and due to the superior training and experience of Lakeshore Foundation staff.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is the organization responsible for both Olympic and Paralympic competitors from the United States.

In licensing official training sites, the USOC conducts a serious study of the needs of athletes in training, and comprehensively evaluates a potential center's ability to meet those needs. Not surprisingly, such agreements are not common. In fact, Lakeshore Foundation is the first site to have earned a Paralympic designation.

Facilities:
Fieldhouse: The 42,530 square foot Fieldhouse at Lakeshore Foundation has three basketball courts with competition lines for International and NCAA basketball, wheelchair rugby, goalball, power soccer, boccia, badminton, team handball and volleyball. The courts have curtains that can be raised/lowered to divide the courts. All courts have scoreboard controls, power and telephone outlets, adjustable basketball goals, backstops with wall mounted switches and expandable seating. The Fieldhouse also has a 200-meter Mondo Super X Classic 3-lane track that surrounds the hardwood courts that has been striped for 200-meter and 100-meter distances. Three levels of lighting are available in the Fieldhouse including daily use level, competition court level, and track only.

Training Area: The 6,000 square foot training area is comprised of circuit training and cardiovascular fitness area, free weight area and an aerobics studio. Strength and Conditioning services are available with advance notice.

Aquatics Center: The 15,939 square foot Aquatics Center houses two pools. The Therapeutic Pool is 25 meters x 4 lanes and is maintained at approximately 92 degrees. The Competition Pool is 25 yards x 8 lanes and is maintained at approximately 84 degrees. Flags and starting blocks for competition are available.

Research & Education: This area houses a sport science laboratory and research library. With advance request, a number of physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology services are available.

Sports Medicine: The sports medicine staff consists of a certified athletic trainer and medical director. There is space available to accommodate drug testing if warranted.

Shooting Range: This area consists of an air rifle, air pistol and archery range. The range is divided into 10 lanes. Each lane is five feet in width. The length of the facility is 75 feet. This not only allows enough room for the required length of the shooting range (including staging area), but also allows adequate distance for an indoor archery program. An automatic target retrieving system is installed within each lane. The shooting range allows shooters to train in the correct setting for larger national and international competitions.

Tennis: The Tennis Center has eight championship lighted hard courts, full service pro shop, accessible restrooms, educational pavilion and spectator viewing area.

Additional support areas: Additional space is available for support functions including office space, meeting and storage areas, outside patio and several lounge areas with tables and chairs.

Housing: On campus housing is available that is convenient to food service and the training facility. On campus housing has a 54-bed capacity, housing needs exceeding this will be provided at a local hotel.

Meeting Rooms / Equipment: Several meeting rooms/classrooms are available, which include various types of equipment.

Contact Information:
All National Governing Bodies or athletes inquiring as to training opportunities at Lakeshore Foundation or more information on available services should contact:

Lakeshore Foundation
Patty Cornelius
4000 Ridgeway Drive
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 313-7433
pattyc@lakeshore.org