DNR Member Represents U.S. in Opening Ceremony of Paralympic Games

Annapolis, Md. (August 29, 2012) ─  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) own Larry T. Hughes will represent the U.S. today at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in London, England. Hughes is a longtime volunteer and member of the DNR Disability Advisory Council, and the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Gold Medalist in Discus.

“I would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to Mr. Hughes for all of his hard work, and congratulate him on this much deserved achievement,” said Richard Allen, DNR’s equal employment opportunity administrator. “We are extremely fortunate to have his talents here at the department.”

Hughes has provided DNR with his expertise for more than 20 years, helping the agency comply with, and stay ahead of, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, regarding the accessibility public lands, facilities and program services.

Hughes has served as the Founder and CEO of the Maryland Wheelchair Athletic Promotions, Inc. since 1987. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2001 Congressional Black Caucus award, the 2001 Junior National Wheelchair Games Championship Coach award, the First Disabled Athlete of the Year award, and honors from the Maryland House of Delegates, and the Outstanding Disabled Athlete, U.S. Track and Field Association.

Hughes also serves on numerous boards and commissions, such as the Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America of Delaware/Maryland, and he is the Wheelchair Track and Field, USA, field chairperson. More information on Hughes is available at www.LarryTyroneHughes.com.

At the Paralympic Games, Hughes will join a Presidential Delegation of; General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Louis Susman, U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom; Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Kareem Dale, special assistant to the President for Disability Policy; and Jean Driscoll, U.S. Paralympian, five gold-medal winner and 1992 Wheelchair Sports USA Hall of Fame winner.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov