MKA'S SHEA HAMMOND HEADS TO US PARALYMPIC MENS NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM CAMP
SDFC 2002 Black/Yellow and MKA soccer team striker, Shea Hammond headed to Paralympic Mens National Team Camp in Lakewood, Florida which started March 25th and lasts for a week.
This trip marks Shea's third selection to a Paralympic National Team camp. Ranked 6th in the world, the Paralympic Mens Team had a wonderful showing at the Rio Olympics and is now busily preparing for a hectic international schedule this year.
"I know that I will again be the youngest or second youngest at camp but the players are amazing regarding the age difference. The dedication shown by the guys is incredible and it will be such an honor to again pull on the national team shirt at camp and train with the team. I am leaving at the end of two weeks of spring break from MKA so I have had plenty of time for training in preparation for the week away. Luckily, MKA has been very supportive, ensuring that I am able to keep up with my school work while I am on National team duty" Shea proudly commented about his recent selection. Eligibility for the team is for men and women that have suffered a stroke, have Cerebral Palsy (CP) or had a traumatic brain injury. Shea suffered a stroke in utero and as a result has hemiparesis on his left side.
"I am so fortunate to have an amazing training team at Parabolic and within SDFC. We all battle the damage that our conditions bring, but some of the guys at camp were injured IN battle. These men have become my heros. They are always tireless in their effort to be the best, and now proudly represent the USA on the soccer field instead of the battlefield" Shea added when asked about the make up of the team.
Being selected for a National Team training camp comes with some perks; "I love the box that Nike sends me! New cleats and sneakers along with my National Team travel shirt are so cool" Shea enthused as he talked about his preparation for camp.
"Once again we are immensely proud that our son is attending a Paralympic National Team camp" Commented mom, Meg Hammond. "He turned down the family vacation during Presidents week to stay in New Jersey and train for this camp, so he is very focused and ready for the challenge" Meg added.
The USPMNT holds regular training camps for selected players in California and or Florida. The team represents the US at the Olympics and the Para-Pan Games along with a full international schedule.
The US Paralympic Mens National Soccer Team can be followed on:
Facebook; U.S, Paralympic National Soccer Team
Twitter; @ussoccer_pnt
Instagram; ussoccer_pnt
Or online at www.ussoccer.com