Grassroots sports for physically disabled becoming a reality; BlazeSports. (Social Issues).

On March 7, 2002, the U. S. Disabled Athletes Fund (USDAF), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and U. S. Paralympics announced the launch of the BlazeSports Clubs of America, a national grassroots competitive sports and physical fitness program for children and adults with physical disability.

The announcement signaled a major step in achieving a goal for those advocating expanded sports opportunities for youth and adults with physical disability. It will establish a continuum of sports training and competition opportunities for Americans with physical disability, similar to the extensive opportunities readily available for able-bodied youth and adults, and those provided to youth with cognitive disabilities through the Special Olympics.

"Given that most youth sports in America occur on the public open spaces managed by public park and recreation agencies, given that these agencies, by and large, are members of NRPA and given NRPA's deep and longstanding commitment to therapeutic recreation and universal access to public spaces, it is imperative that NRPA play a leading role in creating new opportunities for those with disabilities to develop and utilize their physical abilities through this new BlazeSports initiative in partnership with the USDAF," said NRPA Executive Director Destry Jarvis.

Grassroots Drive the Program

A key component to the success of the BlazeSports Clubs of America program will be the depth the program is embraced by park and recreation agencies in communities across the country. These agencies will become BlazeSports Clubs, the providers of the year-round adapted sports training programs. These community-based programs will be strongly supported by regional and national camps, training clinics and competitions operated by the USDAF, in many cases, in collaboration with other agencies and organizations, the U. S. Paralympics or other adaptive sports programs. The program will bring the full continuum of sports to physically disabled Americans -- from those simply seeking recreation and exercise through sports to those pursuing the highest level of competition.

"The BlazeSports Clubs of America program is not about creating world champion athletes -- although we fully expect that some athletes who get their start in a BlazeSports program will one day appear atop the Paralympic medal podium. Rather, it's about giving all Americans the opportunity to discover more of their own potential through sports," observed Andy Fleming, president of USDAF.

Initial efforts of BlazeSports Clubs of America, USDAF and NRPA will be dedicated to the selection and preparation of the inaugural program sites -- up to nine in the first year. Once a site has committed to offering a BlazeSports Club, the community will form a steering committee composed of community leaders, disability advocates, athletes, parents, elected officials, schools and others to oversee the program and to assist in raising local funds to support it. Community recreation professionals, coaches and volunteers will be trained to coach the selected sports. BlazeSports Days, one-day sports demonstrations and introductory training clinics, will be held to introduce the program to the community and to recruit volunteers and participants. Communications support for the communities will include press releases, printed materials, videos and sports manuals. USDAF and its BlazeSports staff will work closely with each community in the launch and ongoing oversight of the community programs.

"The response of the participants, many of whom have not been part of any sports program previously, has been wonderful. But the key to a successful program is the support within the community and the outreach this produces. You cannot simply put up a notice on a billboard and wait for the line to form.

The new opportunity must be communicated to those eligible for the program through a variety of avenues -- local media, newsletters, school presentations and flyers, and simply by tapping into the organizations that have existing relationships with children and adults eligible for the program. The folks from USDAF are an important partner in this effort," noted Lynne Cory, Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services, and BlazeSports community coordinator.

Sport Selections Show Paralympic Influence

BlazeSports Clubs of America currently offers five sports -- wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, swimming and track and field. As the program expands beyond the southeast, other sports -- particularly winter ones -- will be added to the offerings. The selection process takes into account sports that enhance physical strength and agility, that are widely practiced by both athletes with and without disability and sports that are on the program of the Paralympic Games.

A strong component of the program is its use of Paralympic and other elite disabled athletes, as well as nationally and internationally recognized coaches, as instructors and counselors at the camps and clinics. These professionals provide not only the highest quality of instruction but serve as role models to the participants. To a young person -- particularly one recently injured -- these men and women demonstrate that a disability need not prevent one from achieving personal, athletic and professional goals. The athletes that work with the program find that they receive, in turn, inspiration from those who participate in the program.

"I know first hand the important role sports can play in building or rebuilding a full, independent and productive life as a person with a disability. When I work with these young people and see them `get it' for the first time, I know that I have truly made a difference -- perhaps changed a life -- and I know my purpose is filled," noted Karin Korb, member of the 2002 U.S. Paralympic Team, the number one ranked female wheelchair tennis player in America and a member of the USDAF staff.

The USDAF the successor organization to the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committee, has the principal responsibility for development and oversight of the BlazeSports Clubs of America. USDAF will provide technical assistance, program support, development expertise and quality control standards to all BlazeSports Clubs. But program partners will be vital keys to its success and growth.

For many years NRPA has successfully introduced new sports and recreation programs on a national scale. This expertise brings enormous strength to the launch of BlazeSports Clubs of America. Combining NRPA's extensive experience with its network of park and recreation member agencies will allow the program to move quickly and expertly to implementation.

As the Presenting Partner of BlazeSports Clubs of America, NRPA will provide visibility and exposure for the program through its publications, printed materials, and membership meetings; will assist in the selection of community-based program locations; and will provide introductions to potential funding sources. And NRPA will be an active partner, lending guidance and support on a regular basis. Together NRPA, USDAF and BlazeSports Clubs of America will form a national advocacy for accessibility to public recreation facilities and for programming that promotes healthy lifestyles for persons with disabilities.

"The U.S. Paralympic movement strongly supports the integration of athletes with disability into existing programs and the utilization of community resources to serve this purpose. We expect BlazeSports Clubs of America to fill an important role in the continuum of sports for youth and adults with physical disability," observed Charlie Huebner, Chief Executive Officer, U. S. Paralympics.

BlazeSports Clubs of America -- A Proven Model

BlazeSports Clubs of America is a bold step. But it is not without a proven model. Since 1997, USDAF has operated a statewide community-based program in Georgia -- The BlazeSports Program -- in partnership with the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. This program, with its year-round community programs, summer camp, sports camps, training clinics, youth sports teams and youth and adult competitions has served as the laboratory for the BlazeSports Clubs of America. Funded largely through a grant from the State of Georgia, BlazeSports Georgia works closely with community park and recreation agencies in Georgia, the Roosevelt Sports Complex and other collaborative partners to sharpen the concepts and refine the operations of the program.

"I have been directly involved with BlazeSports from the beginning, as USDAF designed and put in place the BlazeSports Program in Georgia. In just a few short years, BlazeSports was a major influence in the lives of thousands of Georgians -- children and adults with physical disability, park and recreation professionals, and so many others. The program continues to expand in both reach and scope. I expect the national program to experience the same successes," said Tom Martin, executive director, Georgia Recreation and Park Association and member of the USDAF Board of Directors.

There is still much work to be done before America has a fully operational national grassroots sports program serving children and adults with physical disability. Communities must be selected and their local programs started. Dollars must be raised to purchase equipment and support the program. Corporate sponsors must be recruited to provide additional resources and visibility. But a major step forward has been taken.

Communities interested in becoming a BlazeSports Club or anyone wanting additional information may contact USDAF at 770-850-8199, by e-mail at [e-mail], or check the web site at www.blazesports.com.

Kay Branch McKenzie is vice president of communications and development at the United States Disabled Athletes Fund (USDAF). Prior to this position, she filled a similar role with the 1996 Paralympic Games. Her article titled "Grassroots Sports for Physically Disabled Becoming a Reality" begins on page 60.