Sportable Heroes

Grace Ross: Athlete of the Year

“I was never involved with any kind of sport or played on a team growing up. My multiple sclerosis has slowed down because I am active. I am so grateful for finding Sportable.” Grace Ross is this year’s Sportable Athlete of the Year because of her determination to try just about any sport we offer and for…

Crystal Jordan: Spirit Award

“When someone throws down the gauntlet, you’ve got to pick it up.” Our 2021 Spirit Award winner, Crystal Jordan, exemplifies the positive nature and spirit of a true Sportable athlete. Whether it is dying her hair orange and blue or trying just about every sport we offer, Crystal’s encouraging spirit lifts everyone up around her. Crystal started…

Eleanor Angle: Rookie of the Year

“I felt endorphins for the first time since my stroke. I was cycling!” Staying active and pursuing fitness was ingrained into the 2021 Rookie of the Year Eleanor Angle’s psyche. Prior to her stroke, she was a competitive runner, tennis and squash player, and active outdoors. While recovering at the Sheltering Arms Institute, she recognized that Sportable…

Rybec Insurance: Corporate Partner of the Year

“What I’ve enjoyed most is getting to know so many athletes at Sportable and getting to know their stories.” Ryan Hickey, owner of Sportable’s 2021 Corporate Partner of the Year Rybec Insurance, walked into Sportable headquarters four years ago for the first time with a check in hand to support the mission. Ever since, Ryan has become…

Jakob Gorton: Collegiate Student-Athlete of the Year

“Without Sportable, I would have had nowhere to play wheelchair basketball. Having the community, the access to play basketball helped me get where I am today.” University of Texas-Arlington wheelchair basketball player and Sportable’s Collegiate Student-Athlete of the Year, Jakob Gorton is known for being a high energy team player with a tenacious work ethic. A…

Blaire Chandler & Sarah Nockengost: Coaches of the Year

“We love the swimming program because it is so diverse in what athletes can get out of it. We have kids that come and really just want time to have fun and get comfortable in the water and then we will have someone 2 laps away training for a triathalon.” Swimming is one of Sportable’s…

Chesterfield County: Community Partner of the Year

“This picture says 1,000 words. Kayaking is a great equalizer. Once you are on the water for the first time, it doesn’t matter whether you have a disability or not—the experience of freedom and awe is the same.” Greg Velzy and his staff at Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventure are more than happy to…

River City Slam: Event of the Year

Sportable made national headlines last summer thanks to the overwhelming success of the first annual River City Slam wheelchair tennis tournament. More than 50 players from 19 states coast-to-coast traveled to Richmond for the tournament. During the tournament, junior players were also treated to a one-of-a-kind camp, led by Paralympian Shelby Baron. Several junior players…

Jessie Oliff: Veteran of the Year

“I no longer have a rucksack to fill for my country. So if I can’t serve my country in the military, I can at least serve my community’s overlooked heroes!” Jessie served two combat tours in the US Army before finding Sportable through the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital in 2017. That same year, Jessie…

Jack Ridolphi: Youth Athlete of the Year

“It’s exciting. There aren’t other team sports I can do. Power soccer allows me to be competitive and just have fun.” Jack is a determined and bright 17-year old who has been a consummate team player with Sportable for more than 10 years. So it was no surprise when he made his debut in his…