tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75619492777300385872012-01-25T15:36:41.775-08:00AzDS Physically Challenged ProgramsArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comBlogger561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-84193529210499040302012-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:36:41.786-08:00Honeywell selected AzDS power soccer as benefiary of charity rodeoArizona 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 Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-30135026808492732972012-01-25T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:33:35.839-08:003rd Annual Run, Walk and Roll hosts over 800 racersAzDS 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 ChannelArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-24322280229485818562012-01-25T15:21:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:25:27.169-08:00AZ 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 Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-6197277363416237882012-01-25T15:20:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:21:48.537-08:00Power Soccer Team Raises Funding by Selling CandlesThe 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.Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-38293683274899896382012-01-25T15:13:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:19:32.009-08:00El Tour de TucsonCongrats 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 - 2:35:37Troy Davis - 2:52:57Kennard Hibler - 4:04:44Ben Swanson - 4:51:48Gavin Warren - DNF due to mechanical errorsTravis Oldhouser - DNP due to healthWay to go to our 5 athletes that also rocked the 6 mile Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-18359290630758955742012-01-25T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:18:56.470-08:00Holiday Bowling TournamentOn 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.Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-80849800630311333312012-01-25T15:07:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:09:28.626-08:00New Coaches for AzDSArizona 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.Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-14911616216894119722011-10-13T17:01:00.000-07:002011-10-13T17:02:06.785-07:00Thank you to the AzDS Year-Round Sponsors for their generous supportCHAMPION LEVEL - $10,000 and aboveBlue Cross Blue ShieldSouthwest AirlinesUSOC—Olympic Opportunity FundCHALLENGER LEVEL - $5,000—$9,999Boeing Employee Community FundThe Jochum-Moll FoundationGregory J. MarshMcCarthy Heart HatsMesa Hohokam FoundationSPAC Enterprises / Peter MiziochCOMPETITOR LEVEL - $2,500—$4,999Arizona Sport & Tourism AuthorityCardinals CharitiesDelta DiversifiedFord Motor Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-29529819650587914812011-10-13T16:59:00.000-07:002011-10-13T17:00:58.996-07:00Thank you to the Table Sponsors at the 18th Annual Fall FundraiserPLATINUM - $3,000JFK Electrical Contracting Enterprises, Inc.GOLD - $2,000Cummins Rocky MountainSimpson Strong-TieSILVER - $1,000John and Sue AligArizona Lighting Sales, Inc.Boeing CompanyCawood and Gibson, PLLCD.L. Withers ConstructionJohn and Linda HughesKohler CompanyLerner & Rowe AttorneysMorrison & Associates CPAsProgressive RoofingGloria Rusk and Beth RuskR.C. Lurie Co, Inc.Schuff Steel Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-27727145690492712062011-10-13T16:58:00.001-07:002011-10-13T16:58:54.976-07:0018th Annual Fall FundraiserOn Saturday, October 1st, AzDS hosted the 18th Annual Fall Fundraiser at the Mesa Convention Center. The organization was very pleased to have 280 guests to bid on the 158 silent auction items and 7 live auction items. Joe Dana of 12 News entertained the crowd as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening with support from certified auctioneer, Letitia Frye who won over the crowd during the live Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-89875585963418365132011-10-13T16:49:00.000-07:002011-10-13T16:56:06.896-07:00AZ Paralympic Experience - Wheelchair BasketballOn Saturday, August 27th, Arizona Disabled Sports, Banner Wheelchair Suns and University of Arizona hosted the Arizona Paralympic Experience - Wheelchair Basketball clinic. Eleven juniors joined the morning session and 17 adults joined the afternoon session. The clinics were led by University of Arizona men's head coach, Derek Brown and women's head coach, Peter Hughes. Supporting the instructionArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-47944782968839158842011-10-13T16:45:00.001-07:002011-10-13T16:48:50.011-07:00AzDS Founder is a TriathleteOne of the founders of this organization has recently reached a personal goal of competing in a mini-triathlon. Gregg's post on Facebook on September 18th: Back from the mini-triathlon and I accomplished both of my goals.....I finished and I didn't let Barbara Jacoboski pass me! The fact that she started 20 minutes later than me is irrelevant! My times were 5:14 for the 250 swim; 42:something forArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-91072225376974195982011-10-13T16:29:00.003-07:002011-10-13T16:43:07.935-07:00AZ Heat juniors face fierce competition at NJDCFrom July 16th-23rd, the Arizona Heat junior team of five athletes, 1 coach, 2 administrators and lots of family members traveled to Saginaw, Michigan for the National Junior Disability Championships. The long trip from Phoenix to Saginaw was no match for the junior archers. All four archery competitors received a personal best performance. Chainey Cathemer, AR2 shot 459 for 1st place in Novice Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-1883280483525283632011-10-13T16:22:00.000-07:002011-10-13T16:27:08.040-07:00AzDS Athletes receive high school letters for participationAthletes that participate with Arizona Disabled Sports for two consecutive years will be eligible to receive a letter from their high school. At the 2011 End of Season Awards Celebration, Chandler Goetz was presented with a letter from Williamsfield High School for active participation on the wheelchair basketball team. Congratulations Chandler!Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-2134961561354042852011-10-13T16:18:00.000-07:002011-10-13T16:20:31.253-07:00New wheelchair basketball athleteAZDS has been a great experience for my son and our family so far. Gabriel has express interest in enrolling in athletics for a while even though he is only 6 years old. I found out about AZDS wheelchair basketball through the Spina Bifida Association of Arizona (SBAAZ) and their resources. The application process to get started was easy and the entry fee was minimal. Gabriel was even given a Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-81647149753858222542011-10-13T16:16:00.000-07:002011-10-13T16:17:55.273-07:00First time cyclist and kayak participantBefore I had my stroke, I wasn’t able to ride a bike or ride in a kayak!! AZDS has helped me get my self stronger and it has given me the best sort of confidence. I am so excited and happy that I did that! -Athlete, MichelleArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-64767884155015567752011-07-11T16:48:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:55:33.857-07:002011 Desert Challenge Games in MesaThe 2011 Desert Challenge Games hosted 120 registered participants from 14 states across the nation, Canada, Japan and Puerto Rico. The event was very exciting including 1 broken World record in the F11 Long Jump by Elexis Gillette, 13 set America’s records and 6 set junior’s records. The US Paralympics hosted a 4-day Military Camp at Luke Air Force Base where 25 injured servicemen and women Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-38580400059587138862011-07-11T16:44:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:47:36.745-07:0015th Annual Day on the Lake is the best year yet!The 15th Annual Day on the Lake program at Bartlett Lake Marina was the best year we have ever had!We had over 100 participants enjoy three days of adapted water sports-water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, boat rides and kayaking, provided by Arizona Disabled Sports. This year we made some wonderful changes to the program. We added Thursday, June 2 to be for those who just wanted to come out and Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-35134121497141234902011-07-11T16:40:00.001-07:002011-07-11T16:44:17.950-07:00AZ Heat Team at the 2011 US Paralympics Track and Field National ChampionshipsThe Arizona Heat track team including Troy Davis, Stephen Binning, Lamar Ryberg, Erik Hightower, Jonathan Lopez, Chris Clemens and Tanner Gers competed at the 2011 US Paralympics Track and Field National Championships in Mirimar, FL this past June. The team brought home 7 medals including 3 silver (Erik, Tanner & Chris) and 4 bronze (Erik, Tanner and Troy). Lamar, Stephen and Jonathan performed Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-56742213947368376262011-07-11T16:31:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:32:55.063-07:002011 USPSA Premier Conference Cup RecapAfter a long season, it was time to test our skills against the best of the best. Over the past few months, we have spent countless hours practicing and sharpening our skills in preparation for one thing: The 2011 USPSA Premier Cup.This past June, the ASU Power Soccer Club made its way down to Atlanta, GA to participate in the first Premier Conference Cup Tournament. The top 10 teams in the USPSAArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-91799063816972973392011-07-11T16:28:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:31:19.445-07:00ASU Power Soccer Club Hosts Golf BenefitWith the temperature living in the low 80s and a steady breeze blowing across the course, more than 60 golfers made their way out to The Links at Queen Creek Golf Course for the annual AZDS Power Soccer Benefit Golf Tournament this past April.For the fourth consecutive year, power soccer athlete Gabe Trujillo and his family help coordinate the event in an effort to raise funds for the power Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-21101974379503164342011-07-11T16:27:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:28:11.907-07:00Underwood Competes at Jimi Flowers Classic 2011Arizona Disabled Sports swimmer Joe Underwood traveled to the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the second annual Jimi Flowers Classic open disability swim meet the weekend of June 25 and 26, partially sponsored by AZDS. This meet brought together the 44 members of the 2011 National Teams slated to swim at the Pan Pacific Para Swimming competition in Edmonton, Alberta, Can in Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-72668718136010277492011-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:26:56.072-07:00Operation Pedal Paddle successful first seasonAzDS created a community based cycling and kayaking program called “Operation Pedal Paddle” for injured service members. The adaptive cycling and kayaking sessions were scheduled for six Saturdays from March through June and moved from various locations in the Phoenix Metro Valley and Tucson, Arizona. The kayaking clinics began on the calm waters of the Tempe Town Lake and a pool and lake at the Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-20236800842347794442011-07-11T16:19:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:23:38.249-07:00Joe Underwood named "Comeback Student Athlete of the Week"Article from AZ Central - October 2010:Everything you need to know about Joe Underwood is summarized quite effectively by Joe himself: "Just because I'm in a wheelchair, I still find a way to do anything people tell me I can't do."It's a mantra by which the 14-year-old Desert Vista High School freshman lives every day of his life. Despite living with spina bifida - a birth defect where the spinalArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-18453628363858156222011-04-06T12:17:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:27:53.389-07:00Team USA placed 4th overall at the IPC Athletics World ChampionshipsTeam USA collected 34 medals (9 gold, 10 silver, 15 bronze), placing fourth overall in total medals won at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand. China was first with 58 medals, Great Britiain was second with 38 medals and Russia was third with 35 medals.More than 1,000 athletes from 70 countries participated in the event from January 22-30. Team USA included 50 Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-34237971597754134142011-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:16:28.002-07:00AZ Heat track team at ASU Baldy Castillo InvitationalArizona Heat track athletes compete in the 100 Meter Track event at the 2011 Baldy Castillo Invitational at ASU. The results are as follows:1st - Erik Hightower - 14.762nd - Troy Davis - 15.573rd - Stephen Binning - 16.754th - Lamar Ryberg - 16.885th - Arturo Torres - 16.976th - David Ryberg - 17.60The next competition for the AZ Heat track team will be the 2011 Desert Challenge Games at Red Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-14182504694671610082011-04-05T15:47:00.001-07:002011-04-05T15:52:07.812-07:00PowerBlast Power Soccer TournamentArizona Disabled Sports hosted the 2011 PowerBlast Power Soccer Tournament at ASU Student Recreation Complex and PE West Gymnasium from Friday, March 4th to Sunday, March 6th. Eight teams participated in the tournament including Arizona Heat 3rd Degree, Arizona Heat 2nd Degree, ASU Sun Devils, Santa Barbara Rollin' Gauchos, Circle City Rollers, RHI Sudden Impact of Indianapolis, Massachusetts Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-496577498888122672011-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:44:47.819-07:00AZ Heat track team at ASU Invitational MeetAzDS Track Team had another successful track meet at the Arizona State Invitation on Saturday, March 26th. Results as follows:100 Meters:1) Erik Hightower – 14.762) Troy Davis – 15.733) Zach Abbott (U of A) – 16.254) Lamar Ryberg – 17.165) Stephen Binning – 17.186) Arturo Torres (U of A) – 17.227) David Ryberg – 18.378) Mason Odom – 20.309) Ben Swanson – 20.81200 Meters:1) Erik Hightower – 27.742Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-26980200540149965272011-04-05T15:42:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:43:33.380-07:00AzDS Track Team at the AZ Distance Classic Half MarathonThe AzDS Track Team took to the streets at the Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon in Tucson on Sunday, March 27th. The results as follows:Racing Chair Division1. Jordan Bird (U of A) – 51:452. Shirley Reilly (U of A) – 53:473. Grant Berthiaume (U of A) – 56:014. Zach Abbott (U of A) – 1:04:465. Lamar Ryberg (AzDS) – 1:06:146. Mason Odom (AzDS) – 1:16:577. Stephen Binning (AzDS) – 1:23:Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-77117423520758367222011-04-05T15:38:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:41:43.601-07:00SkiAble Adaptive Alpine ExperienceWOW! Another fantastic event with yet again epic snow conditions for Northern Arizona. Sunny, blue skies and 50-60 degree weather proved to be the winning ticket to an excellent SkiAble Adaptive Alpine Experience in 2011. We saw a lot of new faces this season who came up to learn a new sport, feel the freedom of skiing and push themselves to another level. We were also fortunate enough to see Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-64757508511037947142011-04-05T15:34:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:46:09.731-07:00Arizona Paralympic Experience - Track, Field and ArcheryAzDS hosted the Arizona Paralympic Day at Mesa High School on January 15th, 2011. This was an incredible opportunity for new comers from around the Valley and state to get a taste of a new sport or fine tune their current skills. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for 13 new athletes come learn about a new sport and meet some former Paralympians from the Valley. AzDS welcomed 2 members of Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-79577584087350852802011-04-05T15:28:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:34:36.427-07:00Season UpdatesArizona Disabled Sports is excited to announce that 21 new athletes from all over the Valley and Southern Arizona have joined us this spring season! Programs have grown exponentially and we are thrilled to have everyone participating. This spring, the AZ Heat track team is participating in 6 track competitions in both Tucson and Phoenix, not to mention the Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon.Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-84063440674329800532011-01-04T09:53:00.000-08:002011-01-04T09:55:51.299-08:00Junior Suns host 4th Annual Arizona JV Wheelchair Basketball TournamentOn December 11-12, 2010 over fifty players and coaches came to compete in the 4th Annual Arizona Wheelchair Basketball Tournament for a weekend of competition in Mesa at the Broadway Recreation Center. Competing teams were your home town Banner Wheelchair Suns, BORP Bay Cruisers (Berkely, CA), Denver Junior Nuggets and Utah Junior Jazz. This tournament is sponsored by the Arizona Spinal Cord Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-45365372293062267842011-01-02T19:02:00.000-08:002011-01-02T19:03:47.492-08:00Power Soccer Team Raises Funding by Selling CandlesThe AZ Heat Power Soccer team participated in a group fundraising effort by selling Gold Canyon candles. A group of just twelve individuals were able to sell 102 candles which raised approximately $750.00 for the team. The team is currently raising funding to support travel expenses for the athletes when traveling to regional and national competitions. Gold Canyon Candles are a local company thatArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-9707021826245362662011-01-02T18:51:00.001-08:002011-01-02T19:01:24.660-08:00AzDS Represented at World Championships in New ZealandArizona Disabled Sports Executive Director, Lane Jeppesen has been invited to travel with Team USA for the Paralympic World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand this January. Lane will be the Assistant Team Leader for 52 athletes with physical disabilities on Team USA as they compete in track and field. Approximately 12 staff will travel with the group including medical, equipment and Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-89984706598577503312011-01-02T18:42:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:50:12.534-08:00Cycling Team does Tour de TucsonArizona Disabled Sports was represented by 11 athletes from the Arizona Heat cycling team at the 2010 El Tour de Tucson in Tucson, Arizona on November 20th. Congratulations to the following 8 athletes that completed the 40 mile event! Troy Davis - 2:54:51, Mike Tagliapietra - 3:02:34, Lamar Ryberg - 3:08:49, Stephen Binning - 3:54:08, Gavin Warren – 4:33:18, Ben Swanson – 4:35:23, Linden Aitken –Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-31904410039308423402011-01-02T18:41:00.001-08:002011-01-02T18:42:12.337-08:00Former Mesa Athlete, Edward Mathurin is a RefereeOne of our former Mesa athletes, Edward Mathurin, has been training as a referee. Edward currently is an AIA basketball referee for the junior high school games in Mesa as well as volunteering as a referee for Arizona Disabled Sports and Special Olympics. Edward has become a trained US Power Soccer Association referee for our local competitions in power soccer and volunteers for the Special Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-721973931420001282010-10-11T20:28:00.000-07:002010-10-11T20:36:57.464-07:00Car Wash Fund-raiser for Power Soccer teamThe Arizona Heat power soccer team hosted a charity car wash at the Chick-fil-a restaurant at the Mesa Riverview and was able to raise over $850 to support the team's expenses for travel to regional and national tournaments. AzDS supports "Matching" funding for one regional or national tournament and the team is fund-raising to support the athlete's matching portion as well as additional funding Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-24341064642241441562010-10-11T16:40:00.000-07:002010-10-12T10:03:44.976-07:00AZ well-represented at National tournamentsAzDS sponsored 4 athletes and 2 coaches to attend the 2010 National Junior Disability Championships in Chicago, IL. The 2010 event was hosted by Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) this past July. Jeremiah Ryberg, Joshua Roy and Isaac Ramirez qualified to compete in the archery competition and all three athletes placed in the top three for their class and age division. Jeremiah RybergArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-59640477663021165472010-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:39:33.684-07:00Congratulations to Intern Rachel KupitzArizona Disabled Sports was very lucky to have a full-time intern over the summer named Rachel Kupitz. Rachel began her internship in June and finished in mid-September. During her 15 weeks with the organization, Rachel was able to participate in the assessment and evaluation process for each program, fundraising and grant-writing processes, budgeting, planning special events and managing Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-11322877562079773932010-10-11T16:33:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:34:49.630-07:00Thank you to the Table Sponsors at the 17th Annual Fall FundraiserSILVER=$1,000John and Sue AligArizona Bank & TrustDr. James BadgeBoeing CompanyCawood and Gibson, PLLCCouncil Member Dina HigginsDisabled Sports USA / Flancer’sD.L. Withers ConstructionChris and Sue HiteJohn and Linda HughesKohler CompanyLerner & Rowe Phoenix Personal Injury AttorneysMcCarthy Building Companies, Inc.Ted and Lynn MollGloria Rusk & Scott MorrisonMSA Engineering ConsultantsDave and Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-24637036567755964062010-10-11T16:32:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:33:35.808-07:00Thank you to the AzDS Year-Round Sponsors for their generous supportChampion=$10,000 and aboveSouthwest AirlinesChallenger=$5,000Desert Club FoundationFord Motor CompanyMesa Hohokam FoundationSubway Kids & Sports ArizonaVistal Golf Club – Duck & Run TournamentW. Bradford PerkinsonCompetitor=$2,500Delta DiversifiedThe HartfordGreg and Ronda MarshSW Services, LLC / SPAC Enterprises, Inc.Sundt FoundationWD Manor Mechanical Contractors, Inc.Charger=$1,000Boeing Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-26692457101605719322010-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:30:00.159-07:00AZ Paralympic Experience - Wheelchair BasketballIndividuals with physical disabilities were invited to the Broadway Recreation Center for an introduction to the Paralympic Sport of wheelchair basketball on Saturday, September 25th. Four junior participants along with 4 coaches, 5 volunteers and 6 spectators joined us from 8am-12pm for training, demonstration and drills led by Derek Brown, Peter Hughes and Gary Venjohn. Fourteen adult Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-24305858803811561592010-10-11T16:14:00.001-07:002010-10-11T16:18:16.851-07:00Power Soccer Clinic hosted by PIKAThe Arizona Heat and ASU Power Soccer Clubs joined together on Monday, August 30th at the Broadway Recreation Center for an instructional clinic led by "Pika", a power soccer clinician from Atlanta, Georgia. Pika led the teams in numerous drills to improve their kicking and ball-handling skills and completed the clinic with a scrimmage. Thank you to Pika for sharing his knowledge with the ArizonaArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-72647521895885106152010-10-11T16:12:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:14:00.165-07:00Coach Megan Harden receives Disability Swimming Service AwardThe purpose of the Disability Swimming Service Awards is to recognize significant contributions by an individual or group to the inclusion of swimmers with a disability in USA Swimming programs or in the sport of swimming. One national-level award and several LSC-level awards are presented annually.The AzDS swim coach, Megan Harden has been awarded a Disability Swimming Outstanding Coach Award! Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-58424162813111512602010-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:12:11.660-07:0017th Annual Fall FundraiserOn Saturday, October 2nd, AzDS hosted the 17th Annual Fall Fundraiser at the Mesa Convention Center. The organization was very pleased to have 365 guests to bid on the 155 silent auction items and 10 live auction items. Kevin Hunt of 12 News entertained the crowd as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Special thank you to auctioneer Greg Gerber, DJ Larry Indelicato, vocalist Laura Danielle Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-51001736943155908492010-07-26T13:30:00.000-07:002010-07-26T13:31:58.218-07:0014th Annual Day on the LakeDay on the Lake makes a big splash at Barlett Lake. Over the course of two days, June 4 and 5 2010, 118 participants with neurological disabilities participated in Barrow Neurological Institute's 14th annual Day on the Lake. The sports and recreation event allowed participants to water ski, jet ski, fish, kayak and take boat rides. Day on the Lake provides unique opportunities to the Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-39283363175515781832010-07-26T13:28:00.000-07:002010-07-26T13:30:36.614-07:002010 Desert Challenge GamesMore than 120 athletes from across the nation, Canada and Bermuda gathered in Mesa from May 19-23 for the 2010 Desert Challenge Games. The weekend included competitions in archery, field, track, swimming and weightlifting. Individuals were also able to obtain international classification at the event in Mesa which is only one of two locations in the U.S. to provide the opportunity. The US OlympicArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-20710632103007432602010-07-20T15:47:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:50:38.585-07:00AzDS is launching their new E-newsletterArizona Disabled Sports is excited for the creation of a new E-newsletter that will be distributed by email to athletes, families and community members each quarter. The E-newsletter will feature quick news on upcoming and past events and then the new AzDS Blog will feature the full-length story.Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-57628548097666069452010-07-20T15:29:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:39:20.069-07:002010 USPSA Nationals: Bittersweet EndingThe 2010 USPSA National Tournament was going to be the culmination five great years with the Arizona Heat soccer team. After spending the last five years with the Heat, I decided to join the new Arizona State University Power Soccer Club at the conclusion of the season. But before I join my new team, I wanted to make sure that my final season with the Heat would be our best season Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-78075202430086208732010-07-20T15:22:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:41:39.090-07:002010 USPSA Nationals: A Lesson of PerserveranceAfter a great second place finish at the Western Regional, we on the Arizona Heat 2nd Degree were feeling really good about our chances at this year’s national tournament. However, those hopes were dampened slightly when we found out that one of us wasn’t going to be able to make the trip. It would change our game plan a bit, but we still felt strong heading to Indianapolis.Arriving at the Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-87953152645212100212010-07-20T15:20:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:22:21.679-07:002010 Power Soccer Golf Benefit raises funds to support team trip to NationalsThis past April, the Arizona Heat Power Soccer Team held its annual benefit golf tournament at The Links at Queen Creek. In order to take advantage of the cooler weather, the tournament was moved to April, and the temperatures did not disappoint. The temps hovered around the high 80s for the event and it was a perfect day for a trip to the links. More than 80 golfers came out to support the Heat Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-76936250458362551252010-07-20T15:14:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:20:08.881-07:00USPSA RestructuringThere will be a major restructure of the divisions next year for the United States Power Soccer Association. The USPSA is doing away with the familiar division 1 and division 2 system and adopting a new conference format. Starting next season, the 60 teams in the USPSA will be divided into six conferences. The new conferences will be created by the teams’ overall skill level. For example, the topArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-88128953616343581012010-07-20T14:57:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:07:12.628-07:00Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is amazing!The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) raises money to help people with physical disabilities pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics. For more information on CAF visist: http://www.challengedathletes.org/Through the generous grant program for individuals with physical disabilities, the following Arizona Heat athletes were able to receive brand new adaptiveArizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-18041858891600844892010-07-20T14:42:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:42:04.613-07:00Junior Suns 9th at Invitational TournamentSenior Robert Reed finished his junior wheelchair basketball career on a high note in Denver last April, scoring 114 of the Suns' total 183 points for their 4 games of the National Junior Invitational Tournament."Robby," as he is known by his teammates, led the team to their best finish yet in the national tournament, ninth overall, scoring an average of 28 points per game with assistance from Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561949277730038587.post-89729881017731288532010-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:002010-07-20T14:41:21.785-07:00Working 2 Walk SymposiumAn exciting new conference is coming to Phoenix this year! Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is hosting the 5th annual Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium on November 11-13, 2010 at the Phoenix Airport Marriott. The symposium will be full of cutting edge research and resources. Arizona Disabled Sports is partnering with Unite 2 Fight Paralysis to end the conference with a fun day full of adaptive Arizona Disabled Sportshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12385668069000176636noreply@blogger.com