SportsOlympics

Actions

Puppy begins training to become service dog at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum

Paralympic athletes have a new ally at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
Champ
Posted
and last updated

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Paralympic athletes have a new ally who will be a regular at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum (USOPM) in Colorado Springs.

Champ is a puppy in training with the goal of becoming a partner that offers help to someone with a disability. He's also irresistible and on Wednesday, Champ enjoyed some one on one time with an Olympic boxer, who also made an appearance at the museum.

Champ

The non-profit, Canine Companions, and the USOPM are partnering to raise Champ. It's a natural collaboration because several Paralympians are aided by companion dogs.

"When these dogs get placed with... their people, whether it's a Paralympian or not, they really bring enhanced independence to them and allow those people to live... life to the fullest," said Laurel Prudhomme, a Puppy Raiser. "It's a great match between the organizations because that's what the Paralympic movement is about as well."

Champ will live with a local puppy raiser and make regular visits for events at the museum. He's just 11 weeks old and can be overwhelmed by crowds, so his early visits will be short and get longer as his training progresses.

___

Historic Colorado mining town gets grant to revive blighted buildings

Victor, Colorado's last gold mining town, receives $50,000 grant to restore historic buildings as the community works to revitalize while addressing housing affordability challenges.

Historic Colorado mining town gets grant to revive blighted buildings

News Tips
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.