The BlazeSports Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards 2015
Nominees
James Adams / Not long after he was born, James Adams was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. At 5 months old, doctors had to amputate all 4 limbs because the condition became life-threatening. James has overcome tremendous odds and has never let being a quad amputee stop him from achieving anything. From a young age, he has been involved in multiple sports. He now plays wheelchair basketball for the Shepherd Stealers.Amy Aenchbacher / Amy Aenchbacher is a certified Adapted Physical Education teacher in Cherokee County and a lifelong advocate and implementer of quality physical education programs for children and adults with disabilities.
Jon Akin / Jon Akin is the Head Coach of Men’s Soccer at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Through Jon’s coaching style and overall leadership, Oglethorpe men’s soccer team has realized numerous accomplishments and awards. Jon is the recipient of numerous coaching awards over the years from the US Soccer Federation. Jon is a nominee for the Triumph of the Human Spirit awards for his role and leadership in BlazeSports’ and the US Soccer Federation’s From Battlefield to Soccer Field, a unique soccer training camp designed for veterans who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. Jon went above and beyond his coaching role in making these training camps a success including engaging the Oglethorpe men’s soccer team and other students in the program.
American Association of Adapted Sports Programs / AAASP have changed the environment for high school students with disabilities by providing competitive opportunities in a range of adaptive sports. Under the guidance and leadership of AAASP, school districts and state high school associations have expanded their view of providing extracurricular athletics forstudents with physical disabilities by realizing that "inclusion" must extend to the sport offerings. This mindset has created comparable opportunities for students with physical disabilities to take part in interscholastic sanctioned adapted sports programs so they can experience the rewards and satisfaction of competitive school-based sports just as their non-disabled peers.
Samuel Armas / Wheelchair basketball is Sam Armas’ passion. You can tell how much he loves the game, because he will leave everything he has on the court after every practice and game. Having won two National Championships with the BlazeSports prep team, Sam is looking to earn his third with the Varsity team. He knows the importance of team work and is always willing to help out the younger and newer players.
Athens Inclusive Recreation Association / Athens Inclusive Recreation and Sports are an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through adaptive sport and recreation in Athens, GA.
Devon Berry / Devon Berry is an honor student at Hampton High School with a 3.7 GPA. He’s also a three sport athlete who takes part in wrestling, track and field and football (able bodied) and also in wheelchair sports: Handball, basketball and football.
BlazeSports Atlanta Hawks Prep Basketball Team / The BlazeSports Atlanta Junior Hawks Prep Team are 4-time reigning National Champions. Their success is largely down to their spirit and attitude on and off court. They show tremendous sportsmanship and are ambassadors for Atlanta and for adaptive athletes everywhere!
BlazeSports Track and Field Coaching Team / Gus Smith is an elite hurdle jumper. He has a skill for remembering things which has helped his grow a relationship with the athletes.
Adam Stone, a former teacher at Centennial High School, is a skilled coach in Field. He brings a new level of expertise to the seated throwers.
Michael Higgins, the cross country coach at Centennial High School, for the first time ever has taught the ambulatory runners to do long jump. Without him, we would not have been able to add to our Track and Field program!
Jessie Cloy, a 4 time Paralympian, brings experience and expertise. She doesn’t just coach from the side lines, she gets out there and pushes with the athletes. That’s dedication! Maggie Frederick attended the University of Illinois where she competed in Track. Maggie spends time getting to know the athletes to help them achieve their goals.
Pat Bowen / A shining example of what it means to be an ambassador for adaptive sport. A multisport athlete growing up, Pat went on to compete in both wheelchair basketball and track at the University of Illinois. After years of racing and some shoulder trouble, she decided it was time to find a new sport and archery caught her eye. Pat is now a USA Archery Level I Certified Instructor, trains with Kennesaw Archery and was the “Girls With Bow” Coach for BlazeSports. She devotes countless hours to teaching the sport of archery and demonstrating that with a positive attitude and outlook, you can be a fierce female in any sport!
Chance Boyd / Chance is the ultimate student athlete competing in wheelchair basketball and track and field. He is a role model and leader on and of the field of play.
Prof. Jimmy Calloway / Dr. Calloway is Interim Chair and Professor of the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Calloway has been involved in Paralympic sport movement in the US and internationally for many years and in different capacities, going back to serving as Vice President of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committee. As an educator and practitioner, he continues to raise awareness of the importance of adapted sport and the importance of inclusion of young people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Dedicated educator, mentor, human rights leader and change maker are all words that have been used describe Dr. Calloway and his dedication to adapted sports and recreation field.
Rony Carolus / Rony Carolus is a veteran athlete. He first took up handcyling only a few years ago and now competes in marathon distances around the U.S. Rony is a gregarious character with a passion for making the best of life
Catalyst Sports / Catalyst Sports are an Atlanta based non-profit that provides high level adaptive sports programs such as climbing and kayaking that are an alternative to the "mainstream" sports.
Center for the Visually Impaired / The Center for the Visually Impaired is nominated for a Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards for being a leader and their comprehensive approach in serving Georgians with a visual impairment. CVI has supported thousands of families over the last 50 years. Recreation, play and leisure activities are a core part of CVI’s BEGIN and STARS program, helping children and youth become more independent in life.
Champions Made From Adversity / Champions Made From Adversity are a non profit founded by three US Military veterans and three non veterans. CMFA run multiple sport programs for individuals with disabilities in and around the Augusta area.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta / The Adaptive Sports Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, led by a multidisciplinary team, is dedicated to helping children and teens with disabilities find a sport they love and can play safely. Through the collaboration of Sports Medicine, Orthotics and Prosthetics and Rehabilitation programs, their amazing team works together to provide children with disabilities access to and information about adaptive sports. They are the reason that countless young athletes enter into adaptive sports and thrive in life.
City of Roswell / The City of Roswell are leading the way by creating a supportive and accessible environment for kids with disabilities to play sports in the Roswell community. They recently broke ground on a state of the art therapeutic adaptive playing field.
McKenzie Coan / McKenzie Coan is a memeber of Team USA Swimming. She is now a student athlete at Loyola University Maryland studying political science. In July 2015, she competed in the IPC Swimming World Championships. She won silver in the Women’s 4x100 meter Freestyle. McKenzie is working to make the 2016 Parlympic Swim Team in Rio. Good luck McKenzie!
Aimee Copeland / In May 2012, Aimee Copeland fell in a river while zip lining and developed necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria, that resulted in the eventual amputation of portions of all four limbs. An outdoor enthusiast prior to her accident, Aimee vowed to get back outside and now kayaks with Team River Runner and plans to learn to cycle and run 5Ks. "At first it might not look like you have the ability to do something, or that there aren’t resources, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. It might take time and extensive research. Don’t give up on your dreams."
Khalli Crooke / Featured as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's comeback kid, Khalli Crooke knows how to bounce back from adversity. Now a multi-sport athlete, 11 year old Khalli is a shining example of perseverance and spirit
Bryce Davis / Bryce Davis is 12 years old with a visual impairment. He has an enthusiastic attitude that is contagious! This year alone he has taken up track and field, swimming, climbing and adaptive water sports proving that nothing can stop him. He is always positive and a joy to be around.
Amanda Dennis / Amanda Dennis is a Paralympic goalball player with an impressive attitude to life and sport, "Being blind or visually impaired is a disability, but playing a sport helps demonstrate that your disability isn’t a disability at all. You’re able to develop abilities through sports that will help in life.”
Erica Dodge / Erica Dodge is a volunteer superstar! Always willing to give a helping hand, Erica has volunteered at multiple BlazeSports events and is a regular volunteer coach with the adaptive swim program. Erica is positive, reliable and a joy to work with.
Eagle Sportschairs / Leading Atlanta based sports wheelchair manufacterer serving numerous athletes with top quality products
Cameron Elzey / Cameron Elzey is a four time National Champion in wheelchair basketball but doesn't relax in the off season. From a young age he has been competing against adults in adapted water skiing and was the winner of the Royce Andes Award in 2014 at the National Championships presented to a promising new National Skier.
Lee Ford / Lee Ford is a Paralympic Level Archer with numerous medals and accolades to her name. She is also a coach and a constant source of encouragement and motivation to those that she works with as she disproves the myths of disability and inspires others to do whatever they want to do!
Natalie Fowler / Natalie has an energy and spirit that captivates all who meet her. She has shown huge potential in the sport of archery and her dedication and motivation to her new found sport is impressive. Natalie is a deserving nominee due to her ability to prove that life with cerebral palsy might throw out some challenges but its nothing she cant handle!
Samantha Fraser / Samantha was born in China in November, 2003 with a congenital limb difference and spent the first 19 months of her life in an orphanage. Fortunately, this is where the sad story ends and one of hope, courage, determination and perseverance begins.
Samantha's forever family brought her to Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. She started climbing competitively in 2013 and although her smile lights the room her determination is more then intimidating!
Bill Furbish / Bill Furbish is a wheelchair rugby and water ski athlete with the Shepherd Center but what he is most renowned for is giving back as a coach and mentor. He shows patients, "I’ve been there and done this, and I’m still doing it."
GA High School Association / Georgia High School Association are changing the environment for students with disabilities by creating opportunities for them to participate and compete as part of their high school teams - one of 14 states to offer these athletic opportunities for students with disabilities.
Cathryn Gray / Cathryn Gray is committed to anything she sets her mind to. Growing up with Cerebral palsy she longed to excel in sports just as her older sister did. Fast forward a few years and she is a talented young climber and track and field athlete, as well as a straight A honor student. Cathryn competed in the National Junior Disability Championships in 2015 winning discus and javelin in her class. Behind her gritty determination is a positive, kind and giving young woman always willing to help others.
Laurrie "McClain" Hermes / McClain is legally blind, yet she competes competitively in both Paralympic and able-bodied swimming, is a gifted student, and notable philanthropist. McClain has not allowed her diagnosis and disability to stop her from achieving her goals in swimming or life
Marjan Holbrook / Marjan Holbrook is a mother, athlete and inspiration. With the Kyle Pease Foundation, Marjan runs distances events with her daughter Rebecca who is a wheelchair user. Marjan has overcome many obstacles and continues to be a tower of strength and positivity for her family and friends.
Nadia Hopkins / Nadia Hopkins competes in swimming and has recently turned her talents to Paracanoe. As an athlete she inspires and as a student she excels!
Robert Jones / Robert Jones is a veteran athlete who has turned an enjoyment for sport into a passion to compete and perform. He has excelled this year in archery and field events.
Justin Knight / Justin Knight was born with Cerebral Palsy. He has never allowed limits to define what he can't do but rather what he CAN do. Justin used to spend 20 hours a day in front of a computer but since 2011 he has completed 5 half marathons, two marathons and is set to complete his first IRONMAN in November of 2015. He inspires those around him to do better.
Fred Lamback / Coach Fred Lamback is an outstanding example of what a coach should be, to both athletes and other coaches alike; kind-hearted and yet tough when it counts, knowledgeable yet humble, driven yet compassionate. Fred is a one of the nations greatest adaptive swim coaches.
Collin Lancasteer / Collin Lancaster embraces every new challenge with enthusiasm and works hard to overcome any obstacles. A multi sport athlete, volunteer youth leader and a nominee for the BlazeSports Triumph of the Human Spirit 2015 Awards.
Marc Lancaster / Marc Lancaster devotes countless volunteer hours and energy to supporting young adaptive athletes. In April 2015, Marc led the BlazeSports Junior Hawks Wheelchair Basketball Prep Team to their 4th National Title and most recently has taken on the additional role of track and field coach. Kind, patient and a great motivator Marc is a nominee for the Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards 2015!
Todd Love / Todd Love lost his legs and one arm to an IED in Afghanistan. Since returning home, Todd's love for adventure has only grown. He is always up for a challenge. He sky dives, surfs and competes in obstacle course races. He is a motivational speaker and inspires others by sharing his story and letting people know that you will face obstacles in your life, but with determination and surrounding yourself with the right people you can achieve anything you put your mind to
Curtis Lovejoy / Curtis Lovejoy is a five time Paralympian. In 2006, he became the first athlete to win gold medals in two non-related sports, swimming and fencing. Lovejoy has become an inspiration to many people through the years following a car accident in 1986 in which he sustained a C5-C7 spinal cord injury
William Lowery / William started climbing with Catalyst Sports back in 2013 and has been pushing his limits ever sense. Last year William placed 2 at Nationals and went to represent the USA as a member of the USA Adaptive climbing team when they competed against the world is Spain. William continues to train and has his sights - he he – on France in 2016.
Jeremy Maddox / Jeremy competes in races ranging from 5K to marathons and now averages 20 races a year.
He also works full time for a company he co-founded, competes in waterskiing competitions, pilots airplanes and volunteers at Shepherd Center
Phil Martin / Phil Martin has devoted decades to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through his organization, Adapted Aquatics, he gathers a team of devoted and skilled volunteers to provide water sports and adapted sailing opportunities on Lake Tobesofkee, near Macon. Phil is full of fun, caring, selfless and puts the safety, enjoyment and development of the participants above everything else.
David Martinez / Dave Martinez is a certified adapted PE Specialist and Special Olympics co-coordinator for the Cherokee County School District in Georgia. He created the first “official” APE program for the school district during the 1999-2000 school year. Dave also paved the way to allow Cherokee County School District Special Olympians to earn a varsity letter from their high school. Dave believes “it is necessary to live a physically active lifestyle in order to be an effective role model for the students he teaches". Some of his fitness accomplishments include, successfully completing two marathons and a 30K mountain run.