BlazeSports America Shines on Nickelodeon's Play It Forward Series

BlazeSports America, a renowned nonprofit that emerged following the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, recently featured prominently in an episode of Nickelodeon’s innovative series, Play It Forward Game On. This exciting episode aired on November 26th, showcasing a heartwarming surprise transformation of BlazeSports' Wheelchair Basketball program.

In a remarkable twist typical of the show’s surprise makeover format, BlazeSports was one of six youth teams nationwide to receive a comprehensive upgrade to facilities and equipment. This initiative is combined with support from industry leader DICK'S Sporting Goods, in partnership with the creative talents of Kids at Play and Cookie Jar A Dream Studios.

Sharone Ostrovsky, the Executive Producer of Play It Forward, shared the impactful experience the crew had while working on this project. He stated that it served as a reminder of the special connections and dedication of those involved in youth sports. The team felt a wave of excitement while participating in the transformation from the moment they arrived to the final reveal.

The Life-Changing Donation

The episode captures an unforgettable moment for the BlazeSports athletes, who were greeted with state-of-the-art sports wheelchairs, warm-up gear, and a new scoreboard. This boost of support not only enhances their resources but also their overall training experience and competitive spirit.

Dawn Churi, Executive Director of BlazeSports America, emphasized the transformative nature of such donations, stating, “Access to high-quality equipment and safe, adaptive spaces is crucial, not just for training and competition, but also for fostering confidence, independence, and a belief in what’s achievable.” She noted that the visibility provided by a national platform like Nickelodeon helps to paint a broader picture of the strengths and capabilities of adaptive athletes.

Viewers are invited to witness the powerful moments of camaraderie and determination as the BlazeSports athletes passionately push themselves on the court. The episode illustrates the mission of BlazeSports—to broaden access to adaptive sports and foster an inclusive environment that allows athletes to reach their fullest potential.

BlazeSports operates various adaptive sports programs throughout the year. Aside from wheelchair basketball, they offer activities in track and field, swimming, and wheelchair tennis. They also provide specialized programming for disabled Veterans, including cycling, pickleball, and archery. The contributions highlighted in Play It Forward play a vital role in ensuring athletes from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality equipment and safe training environments, paving the way for competing and personal growth free from financial constraints.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the heartwarming journey of BlazeSports, behind-the-scenes footage of this episode can be found HERE. To watch the full Play It Forward episode featuring BlazeSports, it is available on various streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Fubo TV, Hulu TV, Philo, Sling, and YouTube TV.

About BlazeSports America

BlazeSports America stands as the proud legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, serving children, youth, and Veterans with disabilities through essential programs and educational initiatives. Based in Atlanta, the organization is a member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and has received the US Olympic Committee’s Rings of Gold award three times for its impactful programs. 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of BlazeSports America, and they continue to empower athletes across the nation. For more information, please visit www.blazesports.org or follow them on social media @blazesports on Facebook and Twitter, and @blazesportsamerica on Instagram.