AUGUSTA, GA - Paraplegic athlete Scott Winkler, the adaptive shot put world record holder and 2007 ParaPan Games Gold and Bronze medalist, was at the downtown VA last Thursday signing his special edition Cheerios cereal box.

“I can’t believe I’m on the box,” an excited Winkler said as he signed for enthusiastic VA visitors. “It’s still sinking in. I mean, I have a sport’s card on the back and this is going into every U.S. post’s commissary.” He beamed proudly as his salesman’s side slipped through, “The Cheerios are only $2.99 per box. How many do you want? I’ll sign them all for you.”

The box has six American soldiers who have since excelled in adaptive sports. Another local, Orlando Perez, is also on the box.

Cheerios is using the campaign to thank war veterans and heighten awareness of disabled veterans.

Winkler was wounded while on duty in Operation Freedom in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2003 while serving in the U.S. Army. He fell off of an ammunition truck and sustained a T-3, T-4 spinal cord injury.

Not one to give up, Winkler began to explore adaptive sports. He excelled to become the adaptive shot put world record holder and has beat his own record twice.

The U.S. Olympic Committee took notice, and he became the first Iraq “Wounded Warrior” chosen for the U.S. Elite Team. Cheerios box in hand, Scott will be representing America in Field events at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in September.

He is also a board member of Champions Made From Adversity (CMFA), a local adaptive sports foundation geared towards inspiring the disabled to get active via sit and wheelchair volleyball, softball, swimming, tennis and boccia.

CMFA is hosting its second complimentary clinic, where Winkler will help coach the basketball events, Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Family Y in Augusta. Visit cmfa.us for more information.