A trip to Haiti

Posted on October 18, 2012 by jfranklin

Blog by BlazeSports intern Kit McCluskey.

When I decided to come to Georgia for my internship at BlazeSports, I had no idea what was in store for me. I have loved every minute of it and thought it couldn’t get much better. To my surprise it did. I learned that I was going to Haiti with the staff. I was in complete shock and so excited, because I have never been out of the country before.

The whole thing didn’t really hit me until we arrived off the plane in Port-au-Prince and we were greeted with a Haitian band playing music. The airport was small and the process of getting all our bags went smoothly. Unfortunately, the javelin never even left Atlanta. I was just grateful it wasn’t my bag.

We got to the bus and were ready to start our 3 hour ride to our hotel in Petite-Goave. I didn’t know much about Haiti besides the earthquake in 2010 so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I saw is practically indescribable. No matter what words I use, they wouldn’t come close to explain how much poverty there is in this country.

Besides the amount of poverty, the adventure of the bus ride is something I will never forget. There are no traffic laws or speed limits and people don’t look if another car is coming before they go out into traffic. The whole thing was complete chaos.

On Sunday, we took a boat from the hotel to a beach to play some futbol, volleyball, have lunch and enjoy the beautiful weather of Haiti. I have always seen pictures of the white sandy beaches with the clear water and palm trees but I have never actually seen it in person. It truly was picture perfect. For lunch there was a choice of fish or lobster. I decided to pass on lunch, because I don’t do seafood, but Jeff insisted that I try the lobster. To my surprise, it wasn’t that bad and I would have it again.

Monday and Tuesday it was time to work. The group who came to the training sessions consisted of about 50 people – a mix of physical education students, coaches and professionals who work with people with physical disabilities. Emphasis was really put on how they can take the knowledge we share with them and then apply it to their communities. They don’t have to be able to train them to be Paralympians, but teach them about the opportunities that they have through sport even if it’s a grass root program for recreational enjoyment. We gave them a basic overview of the variety of sports in the Paralympic Games and then broke out into sessions of soccer, sitting volleyball, boccia and field events. It was incredible to see all the participants so engaged, asking questions and wanting to make a difference in their country.

While I was playing pepper with some of them, I realized how sport is one of the few things in this world that’s universal. I don’t speak creole and they don’t speak English, but we were still enjoying ourselves because we had volleyball to bond over.

Even though I am hungry at the end of each day and I have bug bites all over my legs, I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to come on this trip. Its only day 4 and my perspective on life has changed in so many ways. I have learned that anyone who is willing can make a difference. You don’t have to start big to make a big impact.

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Academics and College Sport for athletes with disabilities

Posted on October 4, 2012 by jfranklin

Georgia Blazer…Going for Gold at U of I

For any high school senior, college is a daunting prospect. From the application process, to the nerve wracking first day, to the hectic schedules of work, sports and social life…there are an abundance of emotions and considerations.

Then there’s Sports! If you are a high school athlete wishing to continue your sport at college, you need to consider the many sports programs, the scholarship opportunities and how to get on to that winning college team of your choice.

So what if you are an athlete with a disability? What are the opportunities available and where do you start?

Christina Young, a former member of the Georgia Blazers Wheelchair Basketball and Track and Field team, is currently a freshman at the University of Illinois and a member of the ‘Fighting Illini’, the hugely successful wheelchair basketball team.

Christina talks about her experiences so far, from the first application through to her busy day to day schedule.

Former Blazer Christina Young

Can you describe your application process to the University of Illinois?

There are two different times you can apply, priority and regular. I applied priority in November. By doing this you have an easier chance of getting in, as well as you find out if you got in quicker, by about December. To apply, you need your transcript, SAT and ACT scores, two essays that they give you, and you need to know all of your persona information.

Why did you choose this particular University?

I chose U of I because it is a very highly ranked academic school as well as they have the best wheelchair athletics program in the country. I also love the atmosphere (minus the snow), the people are great, and I felt like I fit in here.

What has been the best thing about college life so far?

I think the best thing about college right now would be the fun I have with the friends and family I made. Between the wheelchair basketball team and all the people I have met, I really feel like I have a huge family here.

How do you manage your academic and sports schedules at college?

At first it was quite difficult remembering when I have things going on and when things are due, but one thing that made a huge difference helping me stay on track is having a calendar. I have one on my phone that tells me when I have classes and events and another one in a planner that tells me when I have quizzes, tests, and assignments due. It is very helpful, without it I would be so lost.

How did being a Georgia Blazer prepare your for University?

Being a Georgia Blazer prepared me for college in many ways. I had the opportunity to travel the country and meet the college coaches that recruited me. I also went on a tournament to campus here which first introduced me to the University of Illinois. Being a Blazer also taught me numerous characteristics to help me prepare for college including responsibility, independence, and maturity. I also went through leadership training which helped me learn more about myself including my strengths and weaknesses and being in college is helping me improve my weaknesses and strengthen my strengths.

As a wheelchair user, have you faced any challenges at college so far and how have you handled them?

I haven’t had many challenges since this school is so good at accommodating wheelchair users. I guess one thing I have had some issues is with the sidewalks. Since this school is very old, some sidewalks are worn out and have bumps, cracks, and such. But I just learned the sidewalks and now I know which ones to avoid and such.

Can you describe a typical day at college?

For an athlete a typical day is very busy. For me, on a Monday (which is my easier day), I have to get up at 5:30 am for basketball practice at 6:30, and then I have practice from 6:30-8:30 am. After that I have another hour of individual skills, then my first class at 10, then usually I go eat lunch and get a little nap in (which is highly recommended), then from 1-3 I have two classes. After that I go lift weights for basketball at 4 till 5. Then I have to go to a study center for 8 hours a week, so I usually go there after dinner at about 6 till about 8. Then I come home, shower and get ready for bed. Usually my days are always busy and I barely have free time. But that is what the weekends are for!

What advice or tips would you give to young athletes with a disability who would like to go to college?

One major thing I would say is don’t be afraid. College at first does seem intimidating and a little scary, but it really isn’t. It will be the time of your life, as well as a huge learning experience, in the classroom as well as outside of the class. Another thing to prepare yourself for college is to make sure you keep your grades up in high school. From experience, a high GPA can help you get into the college of your choice, not just your test scores. And apply to many colleges, not just one. Also, have an open mind, go check out the colleges in person, it will definitely influence your choices.

What are your goals for the future in terms of your sport and academic career?

In the future I plan on graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelors in Kinesiology, then I plan on attending a graduate school to become an Occupational Therapist. In my sports, I am hoping to make a national team in either track or wheelchair basketball. Another one of my goals is to go to Rio in 2016 for the Paralympics. That is the main goal I am training for.

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If you are thinking of continuing your sport at college, here is a list of colleges across the county with adapted sports programs:

Edinboro University, Pennsylvania (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)

http://www.gofightingscots.com/index.aspx?path=wcbball&&tab=0

Oklahoma State University (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)

http://campusrec.okstate.edu/adaptivesport/wheelchairbasketball

Penn State University (Co-ed Wheelchair Basketball, Swimming, Weight lifting, Powerlifting)

http://www.gopsusports.com/ability/

University of Alabama, Birmingham (Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball, Tennis, Adapted Golf and Rowing)

http://uads.weebly.com/

University of Arizona (Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball, Quad Rugby, Tennis, Track and Field and Road Racing)

http://drc.arizona.edu/athletics

University of Illinois (Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball, Track and Field)

http://disability.illinois.edu/athletics

University of Missouri (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)

http://www.mizzourec.org/programs/wheelchair_basketball/

University of Oregon (Adaptive Sports Club, UO Adaptive Track Team.)

http://pages.uoregon.edu/adaptive/

University of Texas, Arlington (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)

http://www.uta.edu/movinmavs/

University of Wisconsin – Whitewater (Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics)

http://www.uww.edu/recsports/wcathletics/

Southwest Minnesota State University (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)

http://smsumustangs.com/index.aspx?tab=wheelchairbasketball&path=wheelbball

BlazeSports offer a variety of sports for youth aged 8-21 with physical disabilities. Contact us today to find out more about Wheelchair Basketball, Swimming and Track and Field. 404 270 2000, info@blazesports.org.

 

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Celebrate National Rehabilitation Week – September 16 – 22, 2012

Posted on September 18, 2012 by jfranklin

Sunday, September 16 will be the kick off for National Rehabilitation Week that will last until Saturday, the 22nd. The week’s purpose is to educate people on the powers of rehabilitation and share the message that through rehab there is hope, achievement and success. During the celebration, individuals that have overcome disabilities are spotlighted and given awards, and noteworthy rehabilitation facilities are thanked for their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of disabled Americans.

 Awareness for rehabilitation was first celebrated 26 years ago, in 1976. At that time, it was only a small scale local awareness campaign put on by the Allied Services healthcare system. From there, it has only grown bigger. 1990 marked a milestone for the celebration when Allied joined forces with rehab facilities across the country to secure a Presidential proclamation which officially designated the third week in September as National Rehabilitation Week. In 1997, the observance took yet another step forward when, for the first time, it was celebrated under the banner of the newly-established National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation.

 The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation’s mission is to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation; develop programs which aim to increase opportunities for the nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities, and help those who are disabled live up to their fullest potential through rehabilitation. The not-for-profit foundation is headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania. (http://www.nraf-rehabnet.org/index.html)

 There are plenty of ways to include your community and organization in the awareness of this week to make the celebration a success. Some ideas provided by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation are:

Community Outreach Activities

  • Plan an Open House and offer free health screenings, health information and tours of your facility.
  • Secure proclamations from government offices declaring the week “National Rehab Awareness Week.”
  • Write a guest editorial to area newspapers regarding the positive impact of rehab/ Pitch rehab success stories to newspaper and magazine feature writers.
  • Invite local schools to participate in poster contests using “Celebrating the Successes of People With Disabilities” as a theme. Display art work throughout your facility.
  • Speak to school groups about rehabilitation careers.
  • Organize wheelchair sports challenges. To increase promotion, invite local news reporters and celebrities to participate.
  • Encourage local businesses to participate by displaying educational information and posters.
  • Invite government officials and media representatives to participate in a walking
     survey of the community to determine if all public areas are wheelchair accessible. Take action to correct areas which are not.
  • Be creative and think of fun and unique ways to celebrate! In the past, participants have held rehab trivia contests, buried time capsules; organized marathons; coordinated a hot air balloon race; hosted a county-wide tailgate party; held sports clinics; and constructed a fully accessible playground in observance of the celebration.

Like the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, BlazeSports America also wants to educate others on the opportunities that people with physical disabilities have. We do this through BlazeDays. A BlazeDay is a unique and exciting opportunity for students in schools and community groups to experience a range of Paralympic sports. The aims of a BlazeDay  is to increase awareness of the range of sports available to people with physical disabilities, educate students about different types of physical disabilities, encourage inclusion of students with disabilities and help educators become knowledgeable of the importance of active lifestyles for students with disabilities, and the use of Paralympic activities to encourage healthy, active choices. The sports that are included are sitting volleyball, boccia, goal ball and wheelchair relays.

Tell us how you plan on celebrating National Rehabilitation Week in your community.

To organize a BlazeDay – fill out the online form at http://www.blazesports.org/resources/start-a-program/

 

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Remembering 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2012 by jfranklin

September 11, 2001 will forever be remembered as the day terrorism struck the heart of America.  On that day, in the four terrorist attacks levied against America, 2,977 innocents lost their lives, including 411 emergency services personnel.  The unanimity of conviction and cause among all Americans following the tragedy had not been experienced in such scale since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 that brought the United States into World War II.  Terrorists attempted to break the American spirit, to tear us apart, to strike fear in our hearts.  They could not have failed more miserably.

Rather than divide us, thousands gave their time in the days, months and even years following 9/11 in service to the community.  From rescue efforts to survivor support services, countless hours were given.  As we shall always remember the tragedy of 9/11, we must also move forward.  According to www.serve.gov, efforts began in 2002 to “establish a tradition of engaging in charitable service on 9/11 as an annual and forward-looking tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks.”  As a result of those efforts, Congress, in 2009, designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, let us pause to remember the tragedy of 9/11, but let us also celebrate the American spirit and dedication to service to the community.  Organizations engaged in adapted and disability sport know the value of volunteerism and service.  Without volunteers dedicated to serving the community we would not be able to provide many of the programs and services that change the lives of people with physical disability. 

The London 2012 Paralympic Games concluded on Sunday with Team USA, comprised of 227 athletes that included 20 U.S. military veterans and active duty service members, earning 98 total medals placing the U.S. fourth in total medals behind China (231), Great Britain (120) and the Russian Federation (102).  It is hard to say how many of those athletes were able to realize their Paralympic dream at least in part due to the efforts of a volunteer, but it is certain that for every Paralympian, there are hundreds more people with physical disability whose lives are touched each day by someone who has dedicated a portion of their lives to service to their community.

As we remember 9/11, let us also celebrate the American commitment to volunteerism and service that was so evident eleven years ago and remains just as strong today.

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Latest US Paralympic Soccer Team Blog Post

Posted on August 15, 2012 by jfranklin

Here is the latest blog entry by the US Paralympic Soccer Team:

“Hey everyone its Josh McKinney here with the Paralympic soccer team.  We just finished our month long camp and are prepared for the Paralympics next week.  It’s amazing how quickly the games came around, qualifiers feels like they were just last week.
Camp went well as the players fined tuned all their skills and are excited to get to London!! The team gets a few days rest back home to recoup and help our families who are going get ready. We ended up playing four games this past week in preparations – thanks to the Crusaders and The All Navy team for coming out and playing with us, they were a great matchup and pushed us hard. Opening ceremonies are just two weeks away and our first game vs Ukraine is on the 1st of September.  Make sure to watch those webcasts just in case they show the teams games.  Thanks for all the support.”

U.S. Paralympic Games Roster by Position
GOALKEEPERS (1):Keith Johnson (Houston, Texas); Alex Hendricks (Columbus, Ohio)
DEFENDERS (4):Chris Ahrens (Baldwinsville, N.Y.); Bryce Boarman (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Chad Jones (Virginia Beach, Va.); Gavin Sibayan (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
MIDFIELDERS (5):Adam Ballou (Virginia Beach, Va.); Tyler Bennett (Wadsworth, Ohio); Josh McKinney (Cary, N.C.); Marthell Vazquez (Long Beach, Calif.); Jerreme Wade (Chesapeake, Va.)
FORWARDS (2):Rene Renteria (San Fernando, Calif.)
ALTERNATES on the U.S. Paralympic roster are forward Dylan Brown (Clovis, Calif.), midfielder Nick Creasey (Richmond, Va.), forward Charlie Howard (Washington, D.C.) and midfielder Moises Morales (San Diego, Calif.).

Check the blog as well as our Twitter and Facebook pages often for more upcoming blogs by athletes competing in the 2012 Paralympic games in London!

 

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BlazeSports Joins Partners To Hold Adaptive Watersports Event

Posted on July 19, 2012 by jfranklin

By Gillian Sharp – Manager of Community Programs at BlazeSports

BlazeSports worked in partnership with Fayette County Parks and Recreation to offer  a day of adaptive watersports at Lake Tobesofkee in Bibb County, GA.

Phil Martin of Adaptive Aquatics along with his staff and volunteers prepared everyone for the day ahead. A wide variety of activities were offered including kayaking, sailing, fishing, pontoon boat, tubing, jet skiing and sit skiing. Participants were encouraged to try as many different watersports as they wanted.

Everyone had a fantastic time trying the different sports, many for the 1st time, while staff ensured that safety and fun were of top priority.

BlazeSports would like to thank Debbie Parish of Fayette County Parks and Rec , Phil Martin of Adaptive Aquatics at Lake Tobesofkee and all the wonderful staff and volunteers who were there to support us.

 

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Growing But Still Limited: The State of High School Athletics Opportunities

Posted on July 17, 2012 by jfranklin

By BlazeSports America intern Philip Cook

In the United States today, there are a limited but growing number of opportunities for young athletes with disabilities to participate in organized high school and club sports. Many students with disabilities are interested in extracurricular opportunities – including high school sports – yet most high schools across the country do not have organized sports in place that include students with disabilities. Fortunately, thanks to public pressure in recent years, several states have begun to consider including adaptive sport athletic programs.

This spring this issue received added attention when a Michigan father made national news for pushing to amend the age limit on high school athletics to ensure that his son – a 19-year-old rising senior – would have the ability to continue playing football. (More on that story is available here: http://blazesports.org/2012/04/high-school-athletic-associations’-age-limit-rules-and-student-with-disabilities/) After doing intensive research, BlazeSports identified fifteen states that offer opportunities for high school students with disabilities to participate in organized sports. These fifteen states include Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.

The two most common school team sports that are available for students with disabilities are track and field and wheelchair basketball. This is not surprising given that these are two of the easiest to accommodate students with disabilities. Ohio became the latest state to add wheelchair championships for track and field athletes with disabilities. On June 8, 2012, the Ohio High School Athletics Association made the decision to add wheelchair championships to its state track and field meet beginning in 2013. Though only fifteen state high school federations allow youth with disabilities to participate in school organized sports, hopefully one day soon the other thirty-five states will follow suit.

 

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