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A statement from Jon Beeson, Chairman of the USA Paratriathlon Committee, following the announcement of inclusion in the 2016 Paralympic Games:

The USA Paratriathlon Committee is thrilled to learn that paratriathlon has been included in the Paralympic Program for 2016 in Rio. It's been a long journey since 1999, when USA Triathlon created the sport's first-ever committee for the benefit of disabled athletes — now known as paratriathletes. Countless athletes, individuals, administrators and organizations have lifted up this sport in order to be ready for this historic moment.

Great thanks to all who have been there with us: To USA Triathlon and its Board of Directors, Executive Directors and staff both past and present — especially to Charlie Crawford and acting CEO Tim Yount, who have both been with us the whole way. To the ITU and its amazing staff, including former President Les McDonald, President Marisol Casado, Loreen Barnett, Thanos Nikopoulos, Grant Darby and Sarah Springman for their untiring efforts. To great race directors like John Korff, Terry Davis, Jan Caille and Michael Epstein, who always welcomed us with open arms, and to the Challenged Athletes Foundation for funding the fun and keeping the faith.

But most of all, thanks and credit goes to all the athletes. To those who will be there in Rio, much good luck. To you, I would just ask that you please remember we are all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. Names like Griskus, Musser and Brueck...Maclean and McLaren...Martin, Moleda and Stewart, plus all the others who sacrificed countless hours training, competing and representing the sport. They will all be with you on Copacabana Beach.

Finally, thanks to the International Paralympic Committee: We won't let you down.

Jon Beeson
Brian Leske
David Curnow
JP Theberge
Tabi King