http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/olympics/bal-te.md.ho.mcfadden30jun30,0,1805374.story
"[Tatyana] McFadden, 19, a member of the U.S. Paralympics team that will compete
in China in September, had limited endorsement opportunities when she
competed in Athens four years ago. But since then, she and other
disabled athletes have noticed a marked rise in corporate sponsorship
opportunities.
'It's an eye-opener to the whole world,' the Clarksville resident said. 'People will see us. People will get to see what the Paralympics are
all about.' ...
McFadden, who will be featured on 100 million 16- and 21-ounce cups in
McDonald's establishments across the country, is among a growing number
of athletes with disabilities who are being sought out by corporate
America for sponsorships.
As unseemly behavior among able-bodied athletes has become more
prevalent in recent years, corporate America has increased its efforts
to reach out to athletes with disabilities, said Dave Rosenberg,
executive vice president of GMR Marketing, a San Francisco firm that
matched McFadden with Hilton. ...
In addition to Hilton and McDonald's, McFadden has sponsorships with
Princeton Sports in Columbia and Eagle Sportschairs, a Georgia-based
manufacturer of wheelchairs for athletes. ...
'Tatyana's story is one of determination and leadership, and we are
tremendously inspired by her athletic achievements, her efforts to
advocate equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities, as well as
her strong, loving bond with her adopted family,' said Dianna Vaughan,
vice president of marketing for Hilton Hotels."
