October 1, 2007 - Beijing-bound Paralympic Tennis Player Inspires Audience at Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America Awards Banquet

Beijing-bound paralympic tennis player and San Antonio native Larry Quintero gave a moving keynote address at the 40th Annual Jack Sanders Award Banquet for the Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America last Friday evening.

Addressing a room full of 150 paralyzed U.S. military veterans at the Doubletree San Antonio Airport. Quintero, 34, spoke about triumphing over the challenges of disability while sharing his own personal story. In 1993, at the age of 20, a gunshot wound ended his promising baseball career. After an initial struggle of two months, the now-wheelchair-bound athlete took up tennis and reached an epiphany. After years of intense training and goal-setting, Quintero achieved his dream of competing in the 2004 Olympics. Next year, he is headed to Beijing.

Joined by his wife, Kelly, and two young daughters, Quintero's message to the veterans was that not only does life go on after disability, but that it can become richer and fuller.

"I don't look at being in a chair as a disability, but rather as an inconvenience and that inconvenience has opened up a lot of doors for me. Turning to tennis was what led me through them," Quintero said. "Tennis got my body back in shape; it feeds my spirit every day; and it has given me the opportunity to travel the world and represent my country in the Olympics. But most importantly, it was through tennis that i met my wife and now have my wonderful family."

Supporting Texas PVA Mission: Athletes for Hope Connects Larry Quintero and Texas PVA
The Texas PVA uses sports and recreation as a tool to offer disabled veterans a sense of accomplishment in life and to help get them active in society. Members can participate in a variety of sports and recreation activities, including: archery, basketball, boating, football, sit-skiing, racquetball, rugby, swimming, tennis, track and field, and weightlifting. Participation is integral to the program's success, and Texas PVA knew an appearance by a recognized athlete at the event would further encourage members to partake in these activities.

With limited resources to recruit an athlete, Texas PVA turned to athletes for hope to connect them with Quintero. This successful match is an example of Athletes for Hope's ongoing commitment to connect athletes with charitable organizations that share their values.

"The inspirational message that Larry Quintero delivered on Friday is something that our members will carry in their hearts for the rest of their lives. Texas PVA creates programs that help injured veterans re-assimilate, stay active, and live life to the fullest. after hearing Larry's message of hope, I am confident they will derive even more value from our initiatives," said David Fowler, President of Texas PVA. "None of this would be possible without Athletes for Hope. We are appreciative that an organization like theirs exists and applaud their commitment."

"This is what Athletes for Hope is all about," said Ivan Blumberg, Athletes for Hope CEO. "What's most exciting for us is that matches like this are happening across the country. by bringing together athletes, fans, charities and corporations throughout the U.S., Athletes for Hope is starting a philanthropic movement that has the potential to inspire millions of people to positive change."