Plastics Make it Possible(SM) Partners With the Athletes with Disabilities Network to Inspire Amputees to Become Athletes of the Future

ARLINGTON, Va., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 12, Paralympic athletes from around the world will gather in Vancouver for the 2010 Paralympic Games.  To celebrate their achievements, Plastics Make it Possible(SM), an initiative sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), is partnering with Desert Storm veteran and two-time Paralympian John Register to raise more than $25,000 for the Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN), a subsidiary of Easter Seals Michigan, which provides services and mentorship for disabled athletes.

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People who want to help can visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/support to make a donation as small as $1 to ADN to help inspire athletes with disabilities to become the Paralympians of the future. Plastics Make it Possible(SM) will match the first $25,000 in donations made through April 30.  In just three weeks, this program could generate $50,000 in needed funds.    

"Organizations like the Athletes with Disabilities Network can make such an amazing difference in people's lives, helping them through what is otherwise a very traumatic time dealing with the loss of a limb. Being an amputee myself, I know how important that is," said John Register, a former Paralympian who lost his left leg below the knee and now serves as a motivational speaker. "Participating in sports can really help amputees feel 'normal' again and today's prostheses made from plastic, aluminum and composite materials are so well-designed and functional, that virtually no activity is out-of-reach."

Modern prostheses have been revolutionized by plastic materials that help make them stronger, lighter, more flexible and realistic, to mimic the function of natural limbs. Made of plastic, aluminum and composite materials that allow for patient-molded and individually fitted prostheses, today's devices are more functional, durable and comfortable than ever. Also, with the advent of microprocessors, computer chips and robotics, prostheses have crossed over from just providing basic functionality, to helping return amputees to the lifestyle they were accustomed to, and sometimes enabling them to push their bodies to farther limits than non-disabled athletes.  

"From carbon fiber technology used for shock absorption to custom-fitted sockets made from resilient polycarbonates, plastics are a vital part of the innovative, active prostheses that are used by disabled athletes in the Paralympics and any sports they typically enjoy," said Steve Russell, vice president, Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council. "The Paralympics are a wonderful demonstration of what these amazing athletes can do in spite of amputations or other disabilities, and we are thrilled to be able to raise money for an organization like the Athletes with Disabilities Network to help inspire a whole new generation of athletes."

Established in 2009, ADN promotes a better quality of life by creating opportunities for people with physical disabilities. ADN operates and organizes the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, the only Hall of Fame completely dedicated to honoring individuals with disabilities for sport and recreation achievement, and Extremity Games, an international extreme sports competition for athletes living with limb loss or limb difference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 1.7 million amputees in the United States.  The makers of plastic prosthetic technologies remain committed to developing breakthrough devices to help disabled people live fuller, more active lives.

"For many people who have suffered the trauma of limb loss, getting involved in sports and continuing to pursue activities that they previously enjoyed can make a huge difference in their recoveries, self-confidence and quality of life," said Elizabeth Taylor, executive director of ADN.  "We've seen firsthand how innovations in prosthetic technology have helped athletes to not only overcome the trauma of limb loss, but flourish in international events like the Paralympics as well as our own Extremity Games. We're thrilled to be partnering with Plastics Make it Possible(SM) to help inspire a whole new generation of disabled athletes to 'go for the gold.'"

About Plastics Make it Possible(SM)

Plastics Make it Possible(SM) highlights the many ways plastics inspire innovations that improve our lives, solve big problems and help us design a safer, more promising future. This initiative is sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council. For more information, visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com and follow us @plasticpossible on twitter at www.twitter.com/plasticpossible.

About Athletes with Disabilities Network

Established in 2009, Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN), a subsidiary of Easter Seals – Michigan, was formed by joining Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (ADHOF) and Extremity Events Network, organizers of Extremity Games. ADN's mission is to promote a better quality of life by creating opportunities for people with physical disabilities.  Programs and services include the Athlete with Disabilities Hall of Fame, Extremity Games, Mentoring and Outreach, Adaptive Sports Coalition and Collegiate Scholarships.  For more information, please call 248.475.3623 or visit www.athleteswithdisabilities.org.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $689 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE Plastics Make it Possible