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 . . . is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances the lives of youth and adults with physical disability
through sport and healthy lifestyles. BlazeSports provides sports training, competitions, summer camps and
other sports and recreational opportunities for youth and adults with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury,
muscular dystrophy, amputation, visual impairment or blindness as well as other physical disabilities.
Indoor Wheelchair Soccer Championships
BlazeSports America is proud to be hosting the 2008 Indoor Wheelchair
Soccer Championships, October 30-November 2, at the University of Georgia
in Athens GA.For additional information contact Frank Hughes, Tournament
Director at fhughes@blazesports.org or by calling 770-980-8984.
Click here for registration packet
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 Boccia Nationals Conclude with Individual Competition
The 2008 Boccia National Championships wrapped up July 12 with strong competition
in the individual contests. In the BC1 Division, Jennifer Jay took home the gold by defeating
TJ Hawker who placed second. Rounding up the division was Greg Lallky who placed third.
Competition in the BC2 Division was tight as Chris Ludwig placed first by defeating second
place winner Lizzie Flora-Swick by a two point differential. Matt Hiltner placed third with three
strong wins in the division. Austin Hanson used precision ball skills to place first in the BC3
Division by defeating second place winner Sam Williams. Mark Paramadani placed third with
a strong showing during competition. The Championships culminated with a delicious southern
cookout and athletes celebrated a great tournament during a night of bluegrass music provided
by the Bibb City Ramblers. A good time was had by all.
Click here for competition results
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Fun and Friendships at BlazeCamp
Fun, friends and excitement were abound as BlazeSports America held its
interactive sports and recreation summer camp June 24-29 for youth with
physical disabilities at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation
in Warm Springs, Ga. Nearly 40 youth attended the a six-day, five-night
BlazeCamp and were provided opportunities to develop their skills in a variety
of exciting sports including track and field, wheelchair basketball, goal ball,
tennis, volleyball, and more.
Additionally, participants enjoyed traditional camp activities such as swimming,
arts and crafts and social activities. Local partners for BlazeCamp are Kroger,
Sportaid and Resurgens Orthopaedics.
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 Trailblazers Leadership Class of 2008
BlazeSports America welcomed its graduating class of young
leaders during a ceremony held June 14 at Kennesaw State
University’s Convocation Center. Family and friends gathered for
the happy occasion which was the culmination of the BlazeSports
Trailblazers Leadership Program, a training designed to develop
leadership skills, self responsibility, healthy lifestyle behaviors
and pre-vocational skills for young people with physical disabilities.
The graduates also got an opportunity to tour the campus of Kennesaw
State University and learn about the academic programs available.
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 Ann Cody Conducts Educational Session in Doha, Qatar
Ann Cody, BlazeSports Director of Partnerships and Public Policy, was a featured speaker at
the 3rd International Forum hosted in late April by the Shafallah Center in Doha, Qatar. During
the forum Cody educated attendees on Community-Based Sports Programs Fostering Social
Inclusion, Acceptance, and Skill Acquisition for Children with Disabilities. The Shafallah Center
is a center of excellence that provides comprehensive services to individuals with developmental
and learning challenges, their families, and the community. In closing the Forum the Shafallah
Center issued a declaration recognizing the right of persons with disabilities to actively engage
in sport and recreation, the role of sport and recreation in fostering social inclusion, and encouraging
the strengthening of the dialogue among and between individuals and organizations involved in
disability, sport, and human rights to advance the human rights of persons with disabilities
in sport and recreation. Click here to see the declaration
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 USPSA Power Soccer Tournament 2008
BlazeSports America partnered with the Fernando Foundation and the U.S. Power
Soccer Association (USPSA) for the 2008 National Power Soccer Tournament held
June 13-15 at the Suwanee Sports Academy in Suwanee, Ga. The tournament was a
great success with teams from throughout the country traveling to Georgia to compete.
As in traditional soccer, Power [wheelchair] Soccer requires strategy, precise plays, and
impeccable teamwork. As one of the few competitive team sports for power wheelchair users,
this dynamic new way to play the game of soccer – with guards to cover their feet and an
oversized ball -- is sweeping the country and the globe.
For more information click here or call 678 656-4600.
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Become a BlazeSports Member TODAY!
Click here for Membership Application
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