#United States #Atlanta #Inclusivity #BlazeSports America #Adaptive Soccer

BlazeSports America Revives Adaptive Soccer Program

After a decade-long pause, BlazeSports America is reigniting its Adaptive Soccer Program in a major way. Founded following the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, this nonprofit organization has been a champion for adaptive sports. This revamp is set to take place at an exciting showcase event scheduled for Saturday, April 25. The event aims to unite athletes, their families, and local soccer communities to engage with the sport and foster inclusivity.

A New Era for Adaptive Sports

BlazeSports is taking significant steps to revitalize its adaptive program, which originally launched more than ten years ago. This fresh iteration is designed to accommodate a diverse range of ages and abilities, emphasizing the joy and excitement soccer can bring to all participants. With soccer trending in popularity across the United States—over 16.7 million Americans of all ages are engaging in the sport as reported by the Sports Fitness Industry Association (SIFA)–BlazeSports is positioning itself at the forefront of this growing movement for inclusive sports.

Atlanta, the event’s home city, has rapidly transformed into a soccer epicenter. Records show a remarkable attendance at Atlanta United FC matches, and the presence of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center—a 200-acre facility for player development—set a benchmark for soccer infrastructure worldwide. The revival of the Adaptive Soccer Program aims to ensure that athletes with disabilities can also partake in this thriving environment, emphasizing accessibility for all.

The Adaptive Soccer Showcase

The Adaptive Soccer Showcase is free and open to the public, inviting everyone interested in learning about the sport, regardless of their background or experience level. The event will run from 1 PM to 4 PM on April 25 at 421 Dekalb Industrial Way in Decatur, Georgia. It will feature various interactive stations focused on different adaptive divisions of soccer, including:

• - Cerebral Palsy (CP) Soccer
• - Amputee Soccer
• - Power Soccer
• - Blind Soccer

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with skilled coaches, learn essential techniques, and engage with athletes from various divisions. This initiative highlights BlazeSports' commitment to promoting both participation and community building among adaptive athletes.

Statement from BlazeSports Executive Director

Dawn Churi, the Executive Director of BlazeSports America, expressed heartfelt enthusiasm regarding the program's relaunch, stating, "We are proud to relaunch our Adaptive Soccer Program to allow more adaptive athletes to discover and participate. Our Adaptive Soccer Showcase is about creating access, building connections, and providing increased opportunities for athletes to experience the energy and inclusivity of the game."

The organization aims to connect adaptive athletes with existing soccer programs while celebrating the power of sports as a unifying force. Churi invites all soccer enthusiasts to join the event, promising a day filled with excitement, learning, and cooperation.

About BlazeSports America

BlazeSports America, a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is recognized for its service to children, youth, and veterans with disabilities through various programs, training, and educational initiatives since the Atlanta Paralympic Games. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, BlazeSports has earned three Rings of Gold awards from the U.S. Olympic Committee for its impactful community programs. As an active member of both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Affiliate Organization Council and a USA Member Organization of World Ability Sport, BlazeSports strives to elevate the role of adaptive athletes within the broader sporting community. For more details, visit blazesports.org or follow on social media at Facebook and Twitter @blazesports, and Instagram @blazesportsamerica.