Fall 2016_ProgramGuide

Fall 2016Youth & Veteran Program Guide

Fall 2016
BlazeSports America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the legacy of the
1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. Our mission is to change the lives of
children and veterans with physical disabilities through adaptive sport.
We offer a variety of sport and recreation programs for kids and veterans
with physical disabilities. These include spina bifida, spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, amputations, muscular
dystrophy and visual impairments, among others.
All of our programs provide participants the opportunities to increase
physical activity, create new friendships, develop new skills and increase
independence. We serve a wide range of ability levels from recreational
beginner to competitive Paralympians.
As the legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, we carry on the
tradition of quality programming, experienced and knowledgeable staff, and
the best practices within adaptive sport.
LIFE HAS NO LIMITATIONS
EXCEPT THE ONES YOU MAKE.
BlazeSports America (404) 270-2000www.blazesports.org
2
“BlazeSports means a lot to me. It’s not
just about winning; it’s about knowing
that we are a team, no matter what the
outcome is. I also know that the team
will be with me on and off the
[basketball] court. My teammates are
like a family for me.”
— Collin L., wheelchair basketball and
track & field

Fall 2016
3
Table of Contents
Find your sport!
Welcome to Youth Programs! 4
Swimming 5
Archery 5
Adaptive Rock Climbing 6
Track & Field 6
Wheelchair Basketball 7
Welcome to Veteran Programs! 8
Bowling 9
Track & Field 9
Archery 10
Golf 10
Cycling 11
Swimming 11
New Programs! 12-13
Fall Camps and Clinics 14
Technical Assistance 15
Equipment Loan Program 15
BlazeDays 16
Athletics for All 16
Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards 17
Events Calendar 18
Tag, You’re It! 18

Fall 2016
4
Welcome to
Youth Programs!
BlazeSports America believes that every child has the right to play, to live a healthy
lifestyle, to make friends and to reap the benefits of sport and recreation. Growing
up should be filled with fun, friends and memories, and our mission is to enable
kids with physical disabilities to have those experiences!
Register for any of our youth programs at www.blazesports.org/what-we-do today!
For information on any of our programs, contact youth@blazesports.org.

Fall 2016
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Swimming Archery
BlazeSports America
offers a unique swimming
program that is open to
all skill levels and abilities,
whether you are looking
to start young and learn
basic swim skills or you’re
looking to compete.
Coach Fred Lamback has more than 30 years of
coaching experience from beginners all the way
to Paralympic champions, including McClain
Hermes, a member of the USA Paralympic Swim
Team for the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games!
Participants can register by the season or for the
entire year! Each new swimmer must complete a
New Swimmer Form and a BSA Participant
Medical Form, both of which can be found
online at blazesports.org.
Who:
Kids with physical disabilities, ages 5 to 18.
Disabilities include spina bifida, spinal cord
injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy,
dwarfism, amputations, muscular dystrophy,
stroke and visual impairments.
When:
Three Saturdays per month, September through
November, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where:
Practices are held at either the Woodruff
Physical Activities Building at Agnes Scott
College (141 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030)
or the Dynamo Swim Center (5075 Abbotts
Bridge Rd., John’s Creek, GA 30097).
Check our website or contact Sara Thomas
(sthomas@blazesports.org) for specific practice
days and locations.
The NEW BlazeSports America co-ed archery
program will kick-off for the first time this fall!
This adaptive archery program enables kids to
develop skills in building self-esteem,
leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship
alongside learning the basic skills of the sport of
archery.
Who:
When:
Every Tuesday in November, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
*No practice on November 22 due to
Thanksgiving break
Where:
Archery Learning Center, 2164 Fountain Square,
Snellville, GA 30078

Fall 2016
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Adap ve
Rock Climbing Track & Field
BlazeSports
America can’t
think of a better
program for
athletes who are
ambulatory or us
a wheelchair!
Athletes can
participate in a range of events that cater to
their specific ability and interests from
recreational to elite.
Whether it’s throwing a shot put or mastering
the 200-meter, athletes have the opportunity to
learn about determination and commitment in a
whole new way.
Who:
When:
Mondays, September 26 through December 12,
at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
*No practice on October 31. Practice will be held
on Wednesday, November 2 instead.
Where:
September 26 through October 24 —
Chattahoochee High School, 5230 Taylor Road,
Johns Creek, GA 30022
November 2 through December 12 —
Centennial High School, 9310 Scott Road,
Roswell, GA 30076
Events:
Atlanta Track Club’s Kilometer Kids One-Mile
Fun Run in mid-October
*More details to come on blazesports.org
Our indoor/outdoor rock climbing program
offers an inclusive opportunity for kids, their
siblings and parents.
BlazeSports America partners with Catalyst
Sports to offer an adaptive climbing program
that teaches kids to trust themselves and
challenge what they thought might never be
possible.
Who:
When:
Indoor climbing — Sundays, September 25
through October 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Outdoor climbing — Sunday, October 30
Where:
Indoor climbing is held at Stone Summit
Climbing and Fitness Center (3701 Presidential
Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30340). Outdoor climbing is
held in Sand Rock, AL.
“My BlazeSports
coaches inspire me to
believe in myself and
encourage me to
work hard so that I
can reach all of my
dreams. They make
me feel like anything
is possible.”
— Grace B., swimming, track & field

Fall 2016
7
BlazeSports Atlanta Jr. Hawks
Wheelchair Basketball
As one of BlazeSports America’s largest team sports, youth athletes can participate in this seven-
month sports program and be a part of the BlazeSports Atlanta Jr. Hawks Wheelchair Basketball
team, member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).
Wheelchair basketball creates a platform for kids with different physical abilities to learn the sport
and develop friendships. They will also be able to travel to and compete in some of the best
wheelchair basketball tournaments in the country, ending the season with the National Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament.
Who:
Kids with physical disabilities, ages 6 to 18. Disabilities include spina bifida, spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, stroke and amputations.
When:
Saturdays beginning September 10, 2016 and continuing through the beginning of April 2017. The
Varsity team practice will be 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., while the Prep team will practice 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where:
Practices are held at the Shepherd Center (2020 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309)
Events:
Big Peach Slam Jam Tournament will be November 5 and 6 at LakePoint Sporting Community and
Town Center (755 Georgia 293, Emerson, GA 30137). More details to come.
“Playing wheelchair basketball with BlazeSports has changed
my life. They strive for the best experience possible for our
athletes and they never fail to give it to us. BlazeSports has
given me an opportunity to truly experience my passion of
wheelchair basketball like never before. Without BlazeSports,
my life would be totally different.
— Samuel A., Varsity wheelchair basketball athlete

Fall 2016
8
Welcome to
Veterans Programs!
BlazeSports America offers veterans and active duty service members with physical
disabilities the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive sports.
We view sport and recreation as an integral part of the community reintegration
process post-injury.
Many of our programs for veterans encourage family inclusion and allow for
spouses, children and friends to participate alongside our athletes, and all of our
veterans programs are FREE to veteran participants!
Register for any of our veterans programs at www.blazesports.org/what-we-do
today! For information on any of our programs, contact veterans@blazesports.org.

Fall 2016
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Bowling Track & Field
Join BlazeSports America for camaraderie and
laughs with our bowling program. This is open
to experienced bowlers and beginners alike!
Due to the high popularity of this program, we
can only serve 30 veterans per session.
To participate, please contact
veterans@blazesports.org to receive a
registration link. This must be done every
month, should you want to continue. Please
ensure BlazeSports America has your current
email address.
Who:
Veterans and active duty service members with
physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, amputations, stroke and
visual impairments.
When:
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where:
Brunswick Zone Lilburn Lanes, 3835
Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
BlazeSports
America can’t
think of a better
program for
athletes who
are ambulatory
or us a
wheelchair! Athletes can participate in a range
of events that cater to their specific ability and
interests from recreational to elite.
Our training program will teach proper
techniques to enjoy the sport safely whether
you are looking to stay active and fit or
participate for fun.
If you are interested in participating, contact
veterans@blazesports.org.
Who:
visual impairments.
When:
Mondays, September 26 through December 12,
at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
*No practice on October 31. Instead, practice will
be held on Wednesday, November 2 of that week.
Where:
September 26 through October 24 —
Chattahoochee High School, 5230 Taylor Road,
Johns Creek, GA 30022
November 2 through December 12 —
Centennial High School, 9310 Scott Road,
Roswell, GA 30076

Fall 2016
10
Archery Golf
BlazeSports
America’s
“Boots to
Birdies”
adaptive golf
program is
designed for
veterans
interested in golf.
Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned
golfer, “Boots to Birdies” gives you the
opportunity to hone your skills while connecting
with other veterans.
“Boots to Birdies” is in partnership with Georgia
State Golf Association (GSGA). All program
equipment is provided and training is provided
by trained coaches.
The dress code for this program is enforced due
to the location. If you have any questions about
your attire, contact veterans@blazesports.org.
*This program only allows for 12 participants and
is currently full. If you’re still interested in
participating, please contact BlazeSports to be
put on a waitlist.
Who:
visual impairments.
When:
Tuesdays, August 16 through September 20,
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where:
Eagles Brooke Country Club, 300 Lester Mill
Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248
The BlazeSports America archery program
allows veterans to adapt military skills to
recreational setting. This program provides
participants the opportunity to train
recreationally or competitively using various
types of equipment. No prior experience is
necessary!
In order to hold this program weekly, a
minimum of five (5) participants must register.
Contact veterans@blazesports.org to sign up.
For more information about our veterans
archery program, contact Errol McKnight
(emcknight@blazesports.org).
Who:
visual impairments.
When:
Fridays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where:
Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155
N, Stockbridge, GA 30281
*During inclement weather, the program will be
held at Archery Learning Center, 2164 Fountain
Square, Snellville, GA 30078
“Once I got out of the military,
and shot that first arrow, I got
the bug. Something said, ‘Do
it. Do it.’ And it got me out of
the house. I saw the other
programs… Now I’m doing as
much as I can throughout the
week to keep out of the house. I’m going to do
everything my body allows me to do.”
— Cedric G., Army Veteran, archery, track &
field

Fall 2016
11
Cycling Swimming
Come out to one of BlazeSports America’s
cycling sessions and enjoy a beautiful ride.
This cycling program is targeted toward
veterans who are looking to train and compete
in cycling, as well as those who just want to
exercise and have an activity to participate in
with others.
Bicycles, recumbent bicycles, and handcycles are
available, should you need one to participate.
Who:
visual impairments.
When:
Mondays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where:
Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155
N, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Our BlazeSports America adaptive swim coaches
provide expert training in the pool. Whether you
want to train for fitness, competition or
enjoyment and a healthy lifestyle, BlazeSports
America’s new veteran swim program will meet
your needs.
Who:
visual impairments.
When:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
occasional Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
*Check blazeports.org regularly for specific dates
and/or any schedule changes.
Where:
Tuesdays and Thursdays — Fort Gordon Indoor
Pool, Building #21608, Barnes Ave/25th Street,
Fort Gordon, GA 30905
Saturdays — Dynamo Swim Center, 5075
Abbotts Bridge Rd., John’s Creek, GA 30097
“Right now, on a day-
to-day basis, we’re
losing a lot of
veterans to suicide.
And if they had
programs like what
BlazeSports has for
military athletes, there would be
something to inspire them, as well.”
— Jacques S., Army Veteran, aspiring
Paralympian in track & field

Fall 2016
12
New Programs!
BlazeSports America, in partnership with Girls On The
Run Atlanta and the City of Roswell, is excited to
introduce BlazeSports Girls On The Run!
Girls On The Run is a transformational physical activity
-based positive youth development program for girls
8 to 14 years old in 3rd to 8th grades. This 11-week
program will help young girls recognize the power of
responsibility , embrace their differences, build
character, be emotionally and mentally healthy, and learn to lead with an open heart
and a positive attitude.
Who: Girls ages 8 to 14 with physical disabilities.
Disabilities include spina bifida, spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, dwarfism,
amputations, muscular dystrophy, stroke and
visual impairments.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 6
through November 15, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock
Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Events: Girls On The Run 5K (adaptive 5K or 1-
mile option) on November 13 at Turner Field
For more information, contact Todd Liscomb at tliscomb@blazesports.org or
(404) 270-2028.
Girls On The Run
At BlazeSports America, we are always looking for new programs and
activities to offer our participants. This fall, we are proud to offer two
brand new programs, Girls On The Run and US Paralympic Table Tennis!

Fall 2016
13
US Paralympic Table Tennis
Are you interested in joining a team,
making friends and learning a new
sport?
Now is your chance with Paralympic
Table Tennis!
Our new table tennis program is free
to teens, adults, and veterans with
physical disabilities ages 15 to 40
years old.
Competitive opportunities are available along with friendship, fun and fitness.
Don’t have a table tennis paddle? No worries! BlazeSports will provide all equipment.
Who: Anyone with a physical disability, ages 15 to 40. Disabilities include spina bifida,
spinal cord injury, traumatic brain
injury, cerebral palsy, dwarfism,
amputations, stroke and muscular
dystrophy.
When: August 14 to November 20,
Wednesdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and
Sundays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Decatur Recreation Center,
231 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030
For more information, contact info@blazeports.org or (404) 270-2000.

Fall 2016
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Fall Camps and Clinics
BlazeSports
Soccer Clinics
Adaptive Sports
Demo Day
Do you have a physical
disability? Are you interested
in soccer? Now is your chance
to get involved!
BlazeSports Soccer Clinic, in
partnership with the City of
Roswell, is for kids ages 7 to
17 and veterans with an ambulatory physical
disability. This include amputations, cerebral
palsy, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.
You’ll learn the “ins and outs” of soccer, and
equipment is provided by BlazeSports!
When: Thursday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. (open to kids and veterans) and
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (kids
only)
Where: Waller Park Extension Rotary Dream
Field, 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell, GA 30075
Register at blazesports.org. If you have
questions, contact Sara Thomas at
sthomas@blazesports.org or call (404) 270-
2034.
The BlazeSports Adaptive
Sports Demo Day is for
anyone ages 7 to 17 with a
physical disability who wants
to get involved in adaptive
sport!
Play wheelchair basketball, soccer and boccia,
just enough to get a little taste of all three
sports!
And BlazeSports America
will provide all of the
equipment!
If you love it, look into the
rest of the programs
BlazeSports America offers.
If you don’t, tell us what
you’d want to see!
When: Thursday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. to
8 p.m.
Where: Lynwood Recreation Center, 3360
Osborne Road NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
Register at blazesports.org. Space is limited.
If you have questions, contact Sara Thomas at
sthomas@blazesports.org or call (404) 270-
2034.

Fall 2016
15
Technical Assistance
Equipment Loan Program
BlazeSports America provides current and accurate information on
Paralympic sports, rules, coaching techniques and risk management.
There is also a wide range of user-friendly information and resources
available on our website related to sport, physical activity and healthy
lifestyles for people with physical disabilities. This information is available at
blazesports.org/what-we-do/training-and-education.
Need some guidance? Don’t hesitate to contact us by email at
info@blazesports.org or call (404) 270-2000.
If you’re considering trying one of our sports programs but don’t have the
correct equipment, there is no need to worry. With our FREE equipment
load program, you can borrow a piece of equipment and test it out! This
includes basketball wheelchairs, racing wheelchairs, handcycles, adaptive
golf and archery equipment.
Contact us at info@blazesports.org, call (404) 270-2000 or contact Todd
Liscomb at tliscomb@blazesports.org or call (404) 270-2028.
Groups looking to offer adaptive sports and need assistance with equipment
can also apply for this free program (subject to availability).

Fall 2016
16
Athletics for All
BlazeSports America is a member of the Athletics for All Task Force, which is comprised
of national disability sports organizations that are working together to promote and
facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities in high school sports.
The Task Force has developed tools and guidelines by which coaches, athletic directors
and school administrators can include students with physical disabilities in
interscholastic sports.
Visit www.athleticsforall.net to access
resources for your school. We encourage
school sports to include kids of all
abilities!
BlazeDays
BlazeDays are unique and exciting
opportunities for you to experience a
range of adaptive sports and physical
activities.
In schools, students and teachers will
learn about the importance of inclusion
for students with physical disabilities in
sports and physical education classes.
BlazeDays are also excellent ways to
showcase and support the 2016
Paralympic Games to students during a Disability Awareness program or Exceptional
Children’s week.
If you are having a neighborhood festival or community health fair in your area,
BlazeSports can set up an interactive table or booth! This is a great way to promote
disability awareness, community inclusion and recreation opportunities for individuals
with physical disabilities.
Contact us at info@blazesports.org or (404) 270-2000 to set up a BlazeDay in your
school or community!

Fall 2016
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Triumph of the
Human Spirit Awards
“Triumph of the Human Spirit” was adopted as the motto for the 1996 Paralympic Games
in Atlanta. These Games set a precedent by being the first to significantly magnify the
abilities of the athletes and demonstrate that having a physical disability is not a barrier to
athletic achievement and success in life, but rather an opportunity to persevere, overcome
and inspire.
As a continuing legacy and in celebration of the 20th
anniversary of the Atlanta Paralympic
Games, BlazeSports America will host the Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards on Sunday,
November 13, 2016. This awards celebration event will highlight the extraordinary and
inspirational achievements of people involved in adaptive sport and recreation in Georgia.
The BlazeSports America Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards honor the athletes, coaches,
groups and organizations who demonstrate qualities beyond athletic achievement such as
leadership, a positive attitude and who inspire, motivate and truly epitomize the “Triumph
of the Human Spirit.”
For more information, contact BlazeSports America by email at info@blazesports.org
or call (404) 270-2000.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Art and Angela Williams Theatre
Primerica Global Headquarters
1 Primerica Parkway
Duluth, GA 30099

Fall 2016
18
August
Aug. 14: Paralympic Table Tennis begins
Aug. 16: Veterans Adaptive Golf begins
September
Sept. 6: Girls On The Run program begins
Sept. 7-18: 2016 Paralympic Games — Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
Sept. 10: Youth Wheelchair Basketball season
begins
Sept. 15: Soccer Clinic — Waller Park Extension
Rotary Dream Field (Roswell, GA)
Sept. 25: Youth Adaptive Indoor Rock Climbing
begins — Stone Summit Climbing and Fitness
Center (Atlanta, GA)
Sept. 26: Track & Field fall season begins —
Chattahoochee High School (Johns Creek, GA)
Sept. 29: Adaptive Sports Demo Day —
Lynwood Recreation Center (Brookhaven, GA)
October
Oct. 15: Soccer Clinic, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. —
Waller Park Extension Rotary Dream Field
(Roswell, GA)
Oct. 30: Youth Adaptive Outdoor Rock
Climbing — Sand Rock, AL
November
Nov. 1: Youth Archery begins
Nov. 2: Track & Field location change —
Centennial High School (Roswell, GA)
Nov. 5-6: Big Peach Slam Jam Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament — LakePoint Sporting
Community and Town Center (Emerson, GA)
Nov. 13: Girls On The Run 5K with 1-mile
option — Turner Field (Atlanta, GA)
Nov. 13: Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards
— Art and Angela Williams Theatre, Primerica
Global Headquarters (Duluth, GA)
Events Calendar
You can directly help to enhance the
opportunities for BlazeSports participants
by purchasing a custom BlazeTag
Georgia license plate for your car!
With BlazeSports America’s 20th
anniversary in 2016, this makes it the
perfect year to renew your license plate
and directly give $22 to BlazeSports
America!

Fall 2016
19
Thank You to Our
Partners and Supporters!
ABC Home Medical
Atlanta Hawks
Bright Wings Foundation
Catalyst Sports
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Christopher and Dana Reeve
Foundation
Clipper Petroleum Foundation
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Disabled Sports USA
Eagle Sports Chairs
Flaghouse
Gatorade
Georgia Beverage Association
Georgia State Golf Association
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation
Agency
Kulynych Family Foundation
The Marcus Foundation
Mobility Works
PepsiCo
Primerica
Positive Athlete Georgia
Resurgens Charitable Foundation
Sanders Foundation
Shepherd Center
Sherwin Williams
USA Archery
US Paralympics
US Soccer Federation
US Table Tennis
US Department of Veteran Affairs
WFA Foundation

Based in Atlanta and celebrating 20 years of operation in 2016, BlazeSports America embraces the
mission of changing the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities through sport. In addition to
its US efforts, BlazeSports America has served individuals and communities in 11 countries, and partners
with organizations around the world to provide adaptive sports leadership to an increasingly international
constituency. The BlazeSports interdisciplinary approach includes community-based sport and recreation
adaptive programs, training and education, leadership programs, Paralympic sports, camps and clinics,
continuing education and certification, sports diplomacy and sports for social impact.
BlazeSports America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is the legacy organization of the 1996
Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia offering adaptive sports programs and services that encourage
lifelong health, build leadership skills, foster independence and inclusion. BlazeSports America is a
member of the United States Olympic Committee—Multi-Sport Organizational Council, and the USA
Member Organization of the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CPISRA).
Support BlazeSports America!
Ways to Give:
Donate online via our safe and secure website (www.blazesports.org/donate-now). All major
credit cards are accepted.
Call us at (404) 270-2000 to make a donation over the phone.
Mail a check.
BlazeSports America
1670 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 331
Norcross, GA 30093
1670 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 331
Norcross, GA 30093
Phone: (404) 270‐2000
Fax: (404) 270‐2039
Email: info@blazesports.org
www.blazesports.org

Fall 2016_ProgramGuide

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