Nonprofit Honors the Remarkable Achievements of Athletes, Volunteers and Coaches in Adaptive Sports
ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BlazeSports America, a nonprofit organization founded after the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and a leader in the field of adaptive sports and recreation, will host its annual Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards Gala on October 30, 2026. This year’s event honors the organization’s 30th anniversary and recognizes the athletes, coaches and volunteers who have made a lasting impact on the adaptive sports community.
The evening will recognize individuals whose dedication, achievements and contributions to adaptive sports reflect the essence of perseverance and the Triumph of the Human Spirit. This year’s awards will honor individuals in the following categories:
- Youth Athlete of the Year
- Veteran Athlete of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Outstanding Young Alumni
- Volunteer of the Year
The gala will also feature appearances from Paralympians Al Mead, Lee Ford-Faherty, Jarryd Wallace and Eric Duda and Olympians Bryan Jacob and Robert Nguyen. Mead and Wallace will serve as honorary chairs for the evening, helping celebrate BlazeSports’ 30-year legacy while inspiring the next generation of adaptive athletes.
“This gala is always a special evening for BlazeSports, because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people who make our mission possible,” said Dawn Churi, Executive Director of BlazeSports America. “As we reflect on 30 years of impact, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come and the lives that have been touched through adaptive sports. From our athletes and their families to the coaches and volunteers who support them, each person has helped build the BlazeSports community. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and continuing to create opportunities for the next generation of athletes.”
The evening will bring together athletes, families, community leaders and supporters for a celebration of the achievements and lasting connections made possible through adaptive sports.
Event Details:
- When: Friday, October 30, 2026 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
- Where: The Stave Room at American Spirit Works, 199 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
For more information about the Triumph of the Human Spirit Gala, please visit here. To purchase tickets or a table, please visit here.
About BlazeSports America
BlazeSports America is the direct legacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games serving children, youth, and Veterans with disabilities through programs, training and education initiatives. Based in Atlanta and a three-time winner of the US Olympic Committee’s Rings of Gold for impactful programs, BlazeSports is a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee – Affiliate Organization Council, and a USA Member Organization of World Ability Sport. BlazeSports America is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For more information visit www.blazesports.org and follow us on Facebook/Twitter: @blazesports, Instagram: @blazesportsamerica.
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SOURCE BlazeSports America
