BlazeSports America

Our July Veteran Spotlight features Marie Giarniero. Marie served 4 years in the active duty Navy as a Surgical Tech and later, after college, joined the Army Reserves as a Perioperative Nurse. Throughout her 29-year military career, she was stationed at General Hospitals and Combat Support Hospitals, retiring as a Major.

Marie describes BlazeSports as “the family she didn’t know she needed until she was part of it.” Introduced through the Yoga program, BlazeSports helps her stay mobile despite her autoimmune disease. She has since joined our archery, cycling, and Veterans camp, acquiring new skills and challenges.

BlazeSports has provided Marie with a deep sense of purpose and belonging, allowing her to teach Aquafit classes to fellow veterans. She thanks BlazeSports for significantly enhancing her quality of life and introducing her to a circle of supportive friends, feeling blessed to be part of the BlazeSports community. Thank you, Marie, for your service! We look forward to seeing your continued success 🇺🇸🌟

Join us for our Veteran Family Camp from August 9th to 11th at Camp Twin Lakes! This camp offers your family quality time together and the opportunity to create lasting memories. The theme for the weekend is "Connection," emphasizing community among friends and family. Families can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including rock climbing, archery, yoga, cooking classes, ziplining, swimming, and much more, with something for all ages to enjoy.

🔥To register: https://bit.ly/4d1eEzT

🏊‍♀️ Dive into our 4-week youth Learn to Swim program, designed for those who want to increase their confidence in the water. Learn how to swim and basic strokes through personalized 30-minute one-on-one sessions with a swim coach. Limited spots available—register now to secure your spot and get details on your specific time slot!

🔥 To register: https://bit.ly/3W25TyV

🏒Get ready and join us on the ice this Sunday, July 14th, at The Cooler in Alpharetta! Our popular adaptive sled hockey clinic is back and open to all BlazeSports athletes. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, there's a spot for you on the ice. Don't miss out on the fun—see you there!

🔥To register: https://bit.ly/46h51v3

🏀Join us in the third and final summer BlazeSports hosted Wheelchair Basketball Day Camp! This event aims to bring athletes together to expose them to the sport of wheelchair basketball and develop their skills (beginner to advanced). Athletes will be coached by our Jr. Hawks Coaching staff as well as BlazeSports Alumni who are current & past Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Athletes. All skill levels are welcome!

To register for Session 3: https://bit.ly/3Vghc6c

Introducing our June Youth Spotlight: Evelyn Thomsen! 🌟

Evelyn has been a member of BlazeSports for nearly a year, participating in both our swimming program and climbing clinic. Her favorite memory with BlazeSports so far has been competing in her first swim meet, where she showcased her skills and determination. Three words to best describe Evelyn are confident, resilient, and thoughtful. Her proudest accomplishment is learning how to run on her prosthesis.

We are thrilled to have her as part of our BlazeSports family. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and support. We look forward to seeing all the incredible things she will accomplish. 🔥

🏀 We are excited to announce that the 9th annual Big Peach Slam Jam will take place on January 3rd - 5th, 2025 at LakePoint Sports!

This tournament is one of the largest in the nation. Featuring Varsity, JNIT, Prep, and Women's divisions, we look forward to welcoming wheelchair basketball players from across the country.

Don't miss out on the action coming in 2025! Registration for teams will open soon.

Our June Veteran Spotlight honors the memory of U.S. Army Veteran Wade Barbee, a cherished veteran of BlazeSports. Wade was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a beacon of inspiration with his unwavering spirit and dedication. His contributions to our community over the years have left an indelible mark, and his memory will continue to motivate us all.

Today, we celebrate Wade's life and the profound impact he had on everyone at BlazeSports. A BlazeSports athlete for 8 years, Wade could be found each week at almost all our veteran programs including cycling, archery, rowing, yoga, tennis, co****le, and many more.

Wade earned numerous medals in rowing events including a gold medal in the Atlanta erg sprints, first place gold in the Head of the H***h, third place in the Peachtree Paragames Archery, and has been in the top three at the Golden Games and the Valor Games.

A winner of the 2021 Veteran of the Year award at the Triumph of the Human Spirit Gala, Wade said that the BlazeSports programs motivated him, kept him moving, and improved his mindfulness and overall health.

Rest in peace, Wade. Your legacy will forever be a part of BlazeSports. 🔥❤️

🧗‍♂️Veterans! We are partnering with Catalyst Sports to host a 3-week Veteran Rock Climbing Clinic Series! Starting Thursday, July 11th from 10am - 12pm, join us at Stone Summit Kennesaw to learn the basics of rock climbing! Come out and reach new heights with us!

🔥To register: https://bit.ly/3z7yo6d

Happy International Yoga Day! 🧘‍♀️🧘
Yoga offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, including muscle building, improved flexibility, and relief from anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. Our BlazeSports Veteran Adaptive Yoga program welcomes participants of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Join us every Wednesday for our veteran yoga sessions!

To register: https://bit.ly/3z6ULsN

We are immensely grateful to all the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and sponsors who made the 4th Annual Peachtree Paragames a success! We want to thank everyone for all their hard work, dedication, and support. Here’s to another year of amazing achievements, breaking records and unforgettable moments! 🎉👏

🥋 Join our Adaptive Martial Arts Webinar this Saturday, June 22nd!

We are thrilled to have Amanda, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, leading our upcoming webinar on adaptive martial arts. She will discuss strategies for teaching martial arts to various diagnoses, the benefits of martial arts for children with disabilities, and new adaptive activities that translate to essential global skills.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn and grow with us!

To register: https://bit.ly/45tk2JG

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🏀 Join us this Saturday for the second BlazeSports Wheelchair Basketball Day Camp! We're thrilled to have Auburn’s Shooting Coach, Jence Rhodes, leading a session focused on shooting skills. Jence will offer specialized training for all athletes in attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top college coaches!

Register for Session 2: https://bit.ly/3VlLvbB

🏀Join us for the second and third BlazeSports Wheelchair Basketball Day Camp Series! Coached by our Jr Hawks staff and BlazeSports alumni, these camps are open to all skill levels to learn wheelchair basketball, improve their skills, and foster teamwork.
For our second camp, we are excited to focus on shooting skills, led by Auburn’s Shooting Coach, Jence Rhodes! Jence will be joining us to provide specialized shooting training for the athletes in attendance. You won’t want to miss this chance to learn from one of the top college coaches.

Session 2: https://bit.ly/3VlLvbB
Session 3: https://bit.ly/3Vghc6c

Today is the LAST DAY to register for our 4th annual Peachtree Paragames! 🍑
Kicking off this Friday, the Peachtree Paragames will feature adaptive swimming, track and field, and archery for youth, adults, and veterans. Plus, enjoy our FREE adaptive sports clinics, including adaptive Co****le, Air Rifle, and our Toddler Games' Play Day.

Don't miss out on this fun, spirited event. See you at the starting line!🎖

🔥 To register: https://bit.ly/3UtgqDC
🤝 To volunteer: https://bit.ly/4bxiOiA

Join us for the 4th Annual Peachtree Paragames with two FREE one-day clinics: Adaptive Air Rifle and Co****le! Master the basics and improve your skills in these fun, 2-hour sessions on Saturday, June 15th. Open to all—don’t miss out!

🔸Co****le Clinic Registration: https://bit.ly/3KtYkeK
🔸Air Rifle Clinic: https://bit.ly/45aRJzw

🔥Paragames Registration: https://bit.ly/3UtgqDC
🤝To volunteer: https://bit.ly/4bxiOiA

🍑PeachTree Paragames Event Spotlight: Archery! 🎯
As part of our 2-day Peachtree Paragames, join us Saturday morning to experience the excitement of our adaptive archery competition! Whether you're a youth or an adult, beginner or expert, this event is a great opportunity for everyone to learn and enjoy the sport of archery.

Come out for our 4th Annual Peachtree Paragames, you do not want to miss this exciting two-day event!

🔥To register: https://bit.ly/3UtgqDC
🤝To volunteer: https://bit.ly/4bxiOiA🔥

"Smile, let your light shine so bright that it illuminates the path for others.”
Start your weekend with a smile! Happy National Smile Day! 😁

Our May Veteran Spotlight is Wayne Lawson, Air Force veteran and dedicated participant in BlazeSports Archery and Water Aerobics. Through BlazeSports, he enjoys our programs' consistency, physical conditioning, and valuable social interaction. Wayne appreciates the program's therapeutic benefits and compassionate approach, focusing on possibilities rather than limitations.

Thank you, Wayne, for your service and inspiring resilience. We look forward to watching you continue to strive! 🇺🇸🔥