It’s hard to believe it’s already May! The first few months of 2013 here at Sportable have flown by in an exciting whirlwind of basketball tournaments, assorted team practices, strength & conditioning sessions, the Monument Avenue 10K race, and the beginnings of our spring tennis and kayaking programs. There is much to celebrate as I reflect on all the successes and accomplishments our athletes have already had this year and I know many more are ahead! As Sportable’s program director, I have the privilege of being out at most of our programs, seeing our athletes in action as they learn new skills, beat their personal records, and set goals for future endeavors. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes give to their sports on the courts, fields, tracks, roads, and waters of our Richmond community. I am grateful that each of these athletes is part of the Sportable family and for how well they embody Sportable’s mission and values, both athletically and in their everyday lives.

This spring, we are especially proud of two of our youth athletes, Taylor Bernard and Christian Largo, who have been recognized by Richmond Family Magazine and Style Weekly respectively for their accomplishments in sports and in the community. Taylor is a 5th grader at Shady Grove Elementary School who is an artist, a spelling bee champion, and the creator of a mentoring program for students with autism at her school. Taylor is currently training to compete in the Power Kids Tri later this month and is putting in countless hours at the pool, on her handcycle, and in her racing chair to cross the finish line and become a triathlete. Christian is a student at St. Mary’s Catholic School who is competitive in wheelchair basketball and also enjoys wheelchair racing, tennis, softball, and lacrosse. He has also used sports as a vehicle for giving back. For part of his 8th grade project, Christian got sponsorships to race a half marathon and raised nearly $2,000 which he contributed towards Sportable’s future quad rugby program. Way to go, Taylor and Christian! Check out the links below if you’d like to read their full stories:

Taylor Bernard
“Never Give Up”
April 2013 Richmond Family Magazine
http://bit.ly/10VWMBp

Christian Largo
“16 Under 16”
March 12, 2013 Style Weekly
http://bit.ly/18qq0Gf

As I have admittedly been a fundamental part of Sportable’s growth in the past 7 years, I also know that no leader–not even our elected Commander and Chief–has the power or ability to go it alone. I am also so excited for another key member of the Sportable team, Becky Lehman-our Program Director- to start the next phase of her leadership journey as a part of the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program!  As Jim Collins writes “The best and most innovative work comes only from true commitments freely made between people in a spirit of partnership, not from bosses telling people what to do. Leadership cannot be assigned or bestowed by power or structure; you are a leader if and only if people follow your leadership when they have the freedom not to“. This is quite possibly one of the most powerful statements I have ever heard and something that each one of us should be in tune to not just in the office environment…but at our schools, in the classroom, on the tennis or basketball courts–opportunities to lead are all around us from a very young age.

A few days ago my 4 year old daughter came home from “school” so excited to tell me about her day– she was the “Line Leader” for her class on their way to the music room. This made me think…What was it about this experience that was so exciting to her? Do all children have the same reaction? I realize personality plays a big role in this AND that a good part of one’s desire to be a leader is completely outside of our control  but, it seems to me that with increased confidence in one’s abilities may directly correlate to one’s excitement about being the “Leader”…right? So, my daughter for example, knew which way to LEAD her classmates to the music room–hooray!!

I then began to think about how sport impacts an individual’s confidence and instantly began running through my head all the amazing stories of Sportable athletes who are taking those steps outside their comfort zone to find ways to play a leadership role. There is Christian who has been training with his Dad to participate in a 1/2 Marathon , who decided to do his 8th grade project around the race…getting individuals to sponsor him  in the race to benefit Sportable, there is Blake who lives and breathes wheelchair basketball…he has his eyes set on playing in college and so he works hard at school, as well as has attends camps across the country to make his dream a reality, and there is David who began wheelchair racing as a means to be part of the one of Richmond’s largest races–the Ukrops Monument Ave 10k…he now has quit smoking, done several other races ( to include 2 Sprint Triathlons) and is David is looking for a new job commensurate to his qualifications ( an MBA)! David said about his experience this year, “[My first 10k] definitely got me out of my comfort zone. [It] helped me realize that anything is possible if you dig deep to reach your goals.” Similarly Mary Catherine Taylor, now on staff with Sportable , began participating in our wheelchair tennis program just over a year ago. In the spring, Mary Catherine traveled to Atlanta, GA to compete in a tennis tournament–her first trip solo since her injury 17 years ago. Prior to coming to work for Sportable, Mary Catherine had been a stay at home Mom for the past 8 years and for her the opportunity to support her fellow athletes has been life changing…not to mention how willing and capable she is to take on more responsibility in running our small ship!

I could go on and on about the amazing stories of our athletes…it is so easy to stay motivated and to continue to create opportunities when you witness lives transformed! Even more importantly, when there are challenges along the way– I believe whole heatedly and have witnessed first hand that Sportable has an important role in our community–as do our athletes. I rest assured in knowing that to be part of Sportable ( in whatever capacity-ED, Program Director, Admin Asst, Athlete, Board Member, Volunteer, etc.) is to be part of something BIGGER!! As we begin to plan for 2013, I am excited about the team that is in place to lead Sportable and I know that my key role is to continue to ensure that we hold true to our guiding principles:
-Freeing our athletes to see beyond their disabilities
-Building peer relationships and reducing social isolation
-Facilitating physical and attitudinal change in our community

Regardless of the opposition or challenges along the way, Sportable’s mission and strong set of values is not only worthwhile in the short term but one that can have long term affects in the next generation of LEADERS!

Nothing says “Ingenuity” like a pair of running legs… does it?? South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius is the first amputee to run at the Olympic Games. After being recognized as one of the 16 fastest men in the WORLD, making it to the semi-finals of the 400M, Oscar is reported to have said that “being disabled doesn’t have to be a disadvantage.” This is the exact message that we at Sportable strive daily to put out there in an effort to change perceptions that exist about individuals with physical disabilities.

Amidst the excitement to profile his story there was of course controversy …the fact that he was able to compete in itself is a significant victory. It comes after a four-year battle for eligibility, which saw Pistorius and a cadre of U.S. scientists take the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) to court in 2007 and 2008, arguing that his carbon-fiber legs didn’t give him an advantage over his able-bodied counterparts nor endanger other runners. Four years, countless arguments, and forever dreams – all in the hopes of running a sub 45-second 400 meters while milling around the Olympic Games as just another athlete. Oscar ran his best in 46.54 seconds, just shy of his personal goal but, a major statement made on behalf of the entire disability community–one that focuses on ABILITIES versus limitations.

Coupled with the excitement around Oscar’s story–Sportable is also excited to have the opportunity for our local athletes to tell their own stories –thanks to NBC12, VCU Health System, and Craft Master Homes!! During the Olympic Games 9 of our athletes have been profiled, featuring 9 of our 13 sports, in 3 separate commercial spots. Please tune into NBC12 to see the videos LIVE and help us to showcase the amazing abilities of our athletes as we continue to Create Opportunities and Transform the Lives of individuals with physical and visual disabilities. There is nothing that exists that is impossible..and it is our job everyday to find creative ways to empower our athletes to aim high—just like Oscar!!!

Anyone can become an athlete. For real. How do I know this? Because it happened to me and I see others transformed at Sportable all the time. Only three years ago, I would have laughed if someone told me I’d do a triathlon, play in a tennis league, or run a race. I couldn’t picture it! I was overweight, and didn’t like to exercise. I wasn’t very confident and really wasn’t happy with how I looked or felt either. But somehow, one little decision to try something new or be more active led to another. And with many great friends and coaches encouraging me along the way, I’ve become an athlete; I ran my first 10K recently, I love swimming and playing tennis, and I’m healthy, active, and happy.

Here at Sportable, we want that for EVERYONE! And it happens every day. People who used to just hang out at home watching TV or playing video games turn into athletes…athletes who like to play sports for fun and to be with friends, athletes who like to compete, all kinds of athletes. Lots of times when a kid comes out to his/her first Sportable event, there is a giant mixture of nervousness, uncertainty, and excitement that also comes along. Parents usually have those same feelings watching their kids try adapted sports for the first time too. But then he makes his first basket. Or she beats someone in a sprint down the court. A tennis ball gets hit over the net for the first time. In those moments, the transformation begins: confidence builds, bigger ideas of what is possible take root, and another athlete is born. Our current athletes know what we’re talking about and if you are thinking about trying a Sportable program for the first time, we look forward to you experiencing that transformation too!

We may know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage mean but how many of us can attest to carrying them out on a daily basis?  Instilling these values in the lives of our service members is a fundamental part of their basic training–something we all should be proud of. They define Integrity as Do what’s right, legally and morally.  Further, they see it “as a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.” USARMY.com

Sportable has taken on a larger role in the Greater Richmond community filling a niche that previously did not exist– creating opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to actively engage in sport.  Many of this take this for granted… putting off going to the gym until tomorrow, signing up to be part of a training team next year, etc.

The National Organization on Disability recently conducted a research study and found  that the most common barrier for participation in sports and recreation amongst the general population is “Lack of TIME” – however, for individuals with disabilities it is “Lack of ENCOURAGEMENT” (from community organizations). This idea of encouragement takes many forms, from inclusion in summer camp programs for youth with a physical disability and/or integration into sports events and competitions geared primarily to indivuals without a disability.

We believe strongly that everyone possesses that innate drive to compete and be active–without even taking into account the benefits  that are derived from having had participated ( improved physical, emotionally, social well being).What message are we sending as a community if we don’t seek to create these opportunities for a segment of the population that does want to sit on the sidelines?

It is here that Sportable’s Integrity comes into play and we strive not only to meet the needs of the athletes we serve  but to work collaboratively with our community so that access to programs and events is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. With our knowledge of the modifications and adaptations needed to encourage independent participation, Sportable seeks to bridge that gap in the community while educating our colleagues on how to integrate and provide inclusive programming.  This may translate to the addition of a ramp to a dock in preparation for a local Regatta, or the creation of a division at a local Triathlon–either way, the resource is here…right in your back yard.  We are committed,  we have seen the success, and lives transformed from opening up the doors and encouraging participation. It is as is right, legally and morally…

A Special Thanks goes out to all those that have stepped up in the community to work with us to achieve our mission… Sports Backers, Virginia Boat Club, Richmond Multisports, Richmond Tri Club, Bon Secours Health System, UTURN… to  name a few.

AND more importantly to our athletes who represent us  and the adaptive sports movement well locally, regionally, and nationally!!!

One of the great things about what we do is that for folks with a sports background, there is an instant connection with the thought of what it means to be an athlete –a natural PASSION for a particular sport ( tennis, basketball, lacrosse)–whether you participate with use of a wheelchair, or prosthetic leg, or guided runner–someone with a passion for sports knows that the athletic mind is innate and adapting or modifying a sport does not change the its true essence…it simply allows for that freedom and independence to be felt on the field of play for athletes of varying abilities.  This being said, it is easy for us to capture volunteers and potential donors by simply inviting them to come out to a program or event…meet our athletes, hear their stories, and see their passion illuminate as they swing the racquet or cross the finish line. How can you not want to become involved?

Tonight on the tennis courts we had a very diverse group of athletes  who were being lead by an amazing team of staff and volunteer coaches.  When I walked up on the courts I instantly had the sense that everyone was happy…enjoying themselves.  You could sense the passion of the coaches and volunteers instructing… wanting everyone to get the most out of the limited time they had on the courts.  You could also sense the passion of our athletes to learn, be active,  to gain that competitive edge for an upcoming tournament, and some just a passion to be around people and to simply socialize.  WOW… two tennis courts overflowing at Byrd Park with such great energy tonight, a true testament to why we do what we do and why it is so important to have the right team in place to continue to raise the awareness about the limitless potential that our athletes have to achieve great things both on and off the court!

I am very proud to be a part of this team/organization and feel so thankful to our athletes, volunteers, coaches, staff, board of directors, partners, and donors who  share with me a passion to ensure that for many years to come the Richmond community can boast a program focused on raising awareness, educating, and offering support for people with physical disabilities to be able to participate in sport and healthy lifestyle programs.

By definition, TEAMWORK is defined by the actions of individuals, brought together for a common purpose or goal, which subordinate the needs of the individual to the needs of the group. In essence, each person on the team puts aside his or her individual needs to work towards the larger group objective. The interactions among the members and the work they complete is called teamwork.

We have a strong set of values that guide the behavior of all those who work, play and compete at Sportable and this idea of teamwork or team spirit is at the core!

Our TEAM takes a broad approach and includes our staff, board of directors, volunteers, coaches, partners, and community supporters.  It is this team approach to achieving our mission that allows Sportable athletes to realize their true potential, and we pride ourselves on working together to create an environment that allows each individual we serve to  see beyond their limitations.

The month of March was filled with perfect examples of this… from the 10k Training Team and first ever “official” wheelchair division of the Ukrop’s Monument 10k (in partnership with Sports Backers) to our Paralympic Experience Day and the special guest appearance of VCU Men’s Basketball Team (in partnership with their Center for Sports Leadership)– Sportable is successful because of our ability to collaborate and work with others.  I am proud to say that we truly value each athlete, volunteer, staff person, board member, community partner and what each bring to the table as we work to create opportunities and transform lives of people with physical disabilities through sport.

I am very fortunate for being able to sit back periodically and see how far we have come through the efforts of so many people who share the passion for ensuring that EVERYONE benefits from sports and leading a healthy active lifestyle.  I was blown away by the feedback from our friends in the Richmond sports community as they stopped by our table at the Anthem Health & Fitness Expo…Sportable is surely gaining momentum and the community is seeing the impact we can have.

The smiles on the faces of the Jrs. Wheelchair Basketball players as they gave pointers to the VCU Men’s Team on how to maneuver the sports wheelchair and the sheer determintation on the faces of our athletes in the Monument 10k are what get me out of bed every morning.  As a member of this great Sportable team,  this does not go unnoticed and I personally do not want to let my teammates down … so, I continue to fight to ensure that Sportable will always be there for the betterment of the community and more importantly for each of our athletes who before may not have even known what their true potential was without having had the opportunity to participate in sport.

As Henry Ford once said “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”   I look forward to continuing to work together with all Sportable teammates who wish to support our mission of creating opportunities and transforming lives!

The building blocks of the Sportable brand are as follows:

Freeing our athletes to see beyond their disabilities
Building peer relationships and reducing social isolation
Facilitating physical and attitudinal change in our community

This is the promise we make to you-our constituencies, which includes our athletes, volunteers, partners, sponsors,volunteers, Board of Directors, and  staff.  How we operate and everything we do  is based off the road map developed to support the maintenance of brand pillars ( building blocks).

The best part of my role at Sportable, is that not only do I get to lead the charge in way of strategy and developing or fine tuning our road map, but more importantly, I get to witness first hand the results of our work.

It may seem as though much of my focus has been on the 10k training team in the past month and perhaps you are right.  I think this is in a large way due to the fact that this one program and subsequent event encompasses ALL of the building blocks of the new Sportable brand.

On any Saturday morning at 730a at Sports Backers Stadium, you will find a group of dedicated athletes , supported by some of the best volunteers, who have set a goal and are working as a TEAM to achieve that goal.  There are many personal stories circling that track–one of our juniors basketball players who is training to not only race in the Ukrops Monument 10k but, 13.1 miles at Shamrock Half Marathon with his mom and sisters.  How amazing to see him realize his potential, speeding around that track with his sisters ( avid runners themselves) doing their best to keep up.  Not to mention how cool it is for Mom and Dad to witness their 3 children “playing” together!!

On day 1 of our training there was a lot of uncertainty around how well the team would do.  Many of our athletes had not trained previously in a racing chair or with a prosthetic running leg  and we  ( as staff) even wondered if the equipment we had would work for everyone’s varying needs.  It was soon apparent that this opportunity would work, because it was just that–an opportunity some of them had never had before.  There was a need and we were able to fill it and do so in a way that was by definition reducing the social isolation that too often people with physical disabilities face in sports environments. This group of athletes very soon became a TEAM–supporting each other with each lap and each athlete and volunteer can be certain of the importance of their role.

To close, on “Race Day”, a portion of the Sportable team will be part of the 1st official Wheelchair Division in the Ukrops Monument 10k–”Wave AA”!! We will also have a slew of orange shirts in support of our sole amputee runner…the “Godmother” of the program in many respects.  I am certain that as a result of this one event–we will capture the attention of the Greater Richmond community and the 42k participants… laying the ground work for the physical and attitudinal change that is so needed in our community!!

GO TEAM SPORTABLE!!!

Now, this may not seem very monumental for most of us who have an abundance of opportunities to take part in the training teams, running clubs, etc. that our city is so well known for ( mostly thanks to the great mission of our friends at Sports Backers) but, for athletes with disabilities…the idea of registering for this race or any other is a bit daunting. How will I train, what equipment do I need, where do I park, who will I run with??? By creating this opportunity to train with a team, on a track, with specialized equipment and coaches–Sportable athletes will be making history this year!! For the first time ever, Ukrops Monument Ave 10k will have an official wheelchair division and we will have a team of five wheelchair racers competing!!

There are also personal stories behind this one major success story–and this experience is sure to transform the lives of all our athletes participating. One of our athletes is doing the unthinkable -less that two years outside of the loss of her leg. She has the passion and inspires us all,there to support each member of the team after her training run is done. There is something to be said for crossing that finish line, whether on a prosthetic leg, racing chair…”Running is a metaphor for life–you get out of it what you put into it!” and our athletes are surely putting in their heart and sould each Saturday morning–rain, snow, or shine.

And who better to join the Sportable team to help us in “creating opportunities and transforming lives” than Karin Korb, two time Paralympian, whose personal motto is “Live to train. Train to live”. She comes to us with more than just 20 years of experience in the field of adaptive sports ( Masters in Sports Management as well as PR/Marketing) AND a true passion for the work we do. She brings with her great energy and a positive outlook on life– and we couldn’t be more happy to have her on board as we bring our new brand to life!!

Now, I have to admit that I took my laptop with me. Not because I thought the games would not be worthwhile to watch but just because I figured there would be some down time–between games, etc… we all know that basketball is such an all or nothing sport so, with a very long to do list of grants and such– I planned to get a little a head of the game ( no pun intended).

Needless to say– I did not work on my laptop at all!! Imagine my surprise– a sentiment that I think the Charlotte Bobcats shared with me. A little different than our first run at Bridge II Sports Hog Wild Tournament- the Spokes basically tied for 1st place in the tournament–against one of the best teams in our Region. I don’t know who was more surprised our players or theirs when we won our 1st game against them– we lost to them in the final by ONE POINT!!

That transformation that took place on that court this weekend was not without hard work–these boys have been working hard to improve their game and many have set individual goals- to play wheelchair basketball in college, do a half marathon in a racing chair–you name it…they are shooting for it!

This is what Sportable is about–Creating opportunities. Transforming lives. Sports participation is a proven catalyst for leading a healthy, active lifestyle– something that EVERYONE should have access to.

Straight from their Coach-Matthew Deans:

My day job is a counselor for people with disabilities and often I wonder how much of an effect I have on people’s lives when I only get to see them maybe once a week or once a month. As a counselor my passion is to help people, as a coach for Sportable I don’t have to question my impact on both how much I help these kids focus their physical skills and abilities and improve their everyday lives, but also helping them understand the opportunities that Sportable presents to them is something they never knew was possible before Sportable. They always wondered how do you play lacrosse, how do you play basketball, how do you run track? They never had an opportunity until Sportable came along, and that is why I coach and that is why I’m part of Sportable.

GO SPOKES– WE ARE SO PROUD OF EACH ONE OF YOU!!