Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Honeywell selected AzDS power soccer as benefiary of charity rodeo


Arizona Disabled Sports was honored to be selected as one of the beneficiaries of the 55th Annual Cliff Garrett Charity Rodeo by Honeywell on Saturday, November 5th.
Honeywell selected the power soccer program provided by Arizona Disabled Sports to be the lucky recipient of the proceeds from the rodeo and all we had to do was provide volunteer support for the event. AzDS board members, staff and dedicated volunteers arrived to the Western Saddle Club in Phoenix prepared with shovels to help with clean-up and were lucky to only have to pick-up trash around the arena.


On Tuesday, December 20th, AzDS was presented with a large check for $15,121.92. This amazing donation will support the program fees for the three power soccer teams provided by AzDS including team uniforms and warm-up jerseys, updated equipment, travel expenses and local tournament fees. Thank you to Ernie Gammons, Rodeo Chairman and the entire committee of Honeywell employees for their dedication and commitment to supporting the community. Thank you to the Trujillo family for their hard work to bring AzDS to the attention of Honeywell for this event.

3rd Annual Run, Walk and Roll hosts over 800 racers


AzDS was very excited when 815 racers showed up for the 3rd Annual Run, Walk and Roll held on Saturday, January 7th at the Tempe Beach Park. Once the sun came up, it was a beautiful Arizona day for a race. Biggest Loser Season 5 winner, Ali Vincent supported the event for the 3rd year and also brought along the Biggest Loser Season 12 winner, John Rhode. Ali and John promoted the event on Channel 12 EVB Live and Channel 3 Morning news, motivated the start line and then raced in the 10K.
Also joining them in the 10K was Mesa Councilmember Dave Richins. Fifty-one individuals participated in the "Roll" division including racing wheelchairs, hand-cycles, recumbent cycles and more!


All of the racers received a goodie bag and refreshments from Sunflower Farmers Market and a commemorative technical event shirt. Over 30 vendor booths lined the beach park including sponsors Will2Walk Foundation, Barrow Connection, Climatec and Arizona Lottery. Mrs. Arizona America 2011, Lori Skutnik assisted Raceplace Events to distribute award medals and gifts to the top three male and female winners in each division. Morning DJ, Matthew Blades from Mix 96.9 of Clear Channel Radio performed as M.C. of the event while Clear Channel and KNIX excited the venue and water station 5 with music.


Event photos and results can be found at www.RunWalkRollAZ.com.
Follow the event on Facebook - www.Facebook.com/RunWalkRollAZ and save the date for the 2013 event to be held on Saturday, January 5th at the Tempe Beach Park.
You can get involved as a committee member for this event by contacting Lane Jeppesen at lane@arizonadisabledsports.com.

AZ Paralympic Experience - Track, Field & Archery

Approximately 35 individuals participated in the 2012 Arizona Paralympic Experience including track, field and archery clinics on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at Mesa High School. The track clinic was led by Paralympic athletes, Anjali Forber-Pratt, Troy Davis, Erik Hightower and Tanner Gers. The archery clinic was led by Paralympic athlete, Eric Bennett and Mark Schrand along with AZ Heat coaches, Lise Lindsay and Nadine Del Favero. The field clinic was led by Paralympic athlete, Corbin Beu and wife Katie Beu.

Power Soccer Team Raises Funding by Selling Candles

The Arizona Heat power soccer teams are actively raising funds to support their travel expenses to the National tournament in June 2012. The team sold Gold Canyon Candles to family and friends and was able to raise approximately $700 to support the team's trip this summer. Thank you to the friends and family members that purchased a candle to support the team.

El Tour de Tucson

Congrats to our athletes that participated in the 29th El Tour de Tucson back in November. We had 6 dedicated men that trained hard all season to compete in the 42 mile ride.

Lamar Ryberg - 2:35:37
Troy Davis - 2:52:57
Kennard Hibler - 4:04:44
Ben Swanson - 4:51:48
Gavin Warren - DNF due to mechanical errors
Travis Oldhouser - DNP due to health

Way to go to our 5 athletes that also rocked the 6 mile ride which trained at the cycling sessions hosted at El Dorado Park in Scottsdale; Austin Alcorn, Evie Boone, John Countryman, Marc Neilson, & Michelle Nguyen.

AzDS is proud of each and every one of you. We look forward to next year in hopes we'll have more competitors to join us in the fun with AZ Heat cycling team! --- Also, don't forget out volunteers & supporters --- Thank you! We couldn't have done it without you.

Holiday Bowling Tournament


On Saturday, December 10th, 18 participants of various physical disabilities joined Arizona Disabled Sports at AMF Mesa Lanes to challenge each other against two rounds of bowling. The event was a celebration to finish up the Summer-Fall season and a time to gather for the holiday season.

New Coaches for AzDS

Arizona Disabled Sports is excited to introduce the new power soccer coach, Danielle Cvetanovich for team Arizona Heat: The Destroyers & the new swim coach, Marisol Sanchez for people with physical disabilities. Please give a warm welcome to Danielle & Marisol when you meet them at the programs. They both bring a positive attitude and great enthusiasm for sports and recreation.