Sportable and ABLEnow Partner to Expand Impact Through Athlete Ambassador Program
RICHMOND, VA – July 1, 2026 – Sportable, a Richmond-based nonprofit providing adaptive sports and recreation for individuals with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and physical accommodations, and ABLEnow, the country’s largest independent ABLE savings program, are proud to announce a partnership supporting Sportable’s Athlete Ambassador Program.
Recent federal legislation has expanded eligibility for ABLE accounts by increasing the age of disability onset from 26 to 46, creating new opportunities for millions of Americans with disabilities to save and invest for qualified disability expenses without affecting eligibility for certain means-tested benefits. For many individuals served through Sportable, this change broadens access to financial planning tools that can support greater independence and long-term stability.
ABLEnow will now support Sportable’s Athlete Ambassador Program, which engages adaptive athletes as leaders, mentors, advisors, and community advocates. Together, the organizations will work to increase awareness of resources that support long-term independence while empowering athletes.
“Many athletes with disabilities are pursuing their goals with strength and determination while planning for their futures,” said Alisa Ferguson, ABLE Programs Director at Commonwealth Savers, which manages the national ABLEnow program. “Partnering with Sportable allows us to connect directly with adaptive athletes and their families, sharing timely, practical information about ABLEnow accounts—especially as expanded eligibility opens the door for more individuals to benefit from this powerful savings tool.”
Founded in 2023, Sportable’s Athlete Ambassador Program engages adaptive athletes as leaders, advisors, mentors, and community representatives. Ambassadors provide valuable feedback to help guide organizational decision-making, support athlete recruitment and retention efforts, and represent Sportable through outreach engagement activities.
Since its launch, the Athlete Ambassador Program, with a current roster of twenty athletes, has experienced steady growth in athlete engagement, community outreach, and leadership development. Support from ABLEnow helps Sportable continue expanding the program’s reach and impact while creating additional opportunities for athletes to serve as advocates and role models throughout the region.
“Our Athlete Ambassador Program is rooted in the belief that athletes are some of the most effective leaders and advocates in the disability community,” said Forrest Lodge, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Sportable. “ABLEnow’s support allows us to elevate those voices further while connecting athletes and families with resources that can help them build greater independence and confidence for the future.”
The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the organizations. Together, Sportable and ABLEnow share a commitment to ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to the resources, opportunities, and support systems needed to pursue their goals and thrive in their communities.
About ABLEnow
ABLEnow® is a national ABLE savings program for eligible Americans living with disabilities. Since its launch in December 2016, ABLEnow has grown to be the country’s largest independent ABLE program, with accounts in all 50 states. Call 1-844-NOW-ABLE or visit ABLEnow.com to obtain information and all program materials. These include information on ABLEnow’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. Seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax, legal, federal or state benefit implications related to opening and maintaining an ABLE account. Participating in these programs involves investment risk including the possible loss of principal. ABLEnow is administered by Commonwealth Savers Plan. For non-Virginia residents: other states may sponsor an ABLE plan offering state tax or other benefits not available through ABLEnow. ©2026 Commonwealth Savers Plan. All Rights Reserved.
About Sportable
For over 20 years, Sportable has created opportunities and transformed lives through sport for individuals with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and those requiring physical accommodations. The non-profit organization provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes of all ages by offering competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs year-round. By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, Sportable transforms the lives of athletes and frees them to see beyond their disabilities, enhances their peer relationships, and helps them reach their personal finish line. For more information about Sportable, please visit sportable.org.