BlazeSports America

04/23/2025

Next up for National Volunteer week is our Prep Wheelchair Basketball Coaches! 🏀

Coach Don Grimsley leads our Jr. Hawks Prep Wheelchair Basketball team with patience, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for the game. He helps guide some of our youngest athletes as they grow both on and off the court. He has been a reliable and compassionate leader in the program, helping shape a positive and welcoming environment for our rising athletes.

Coach Les Fansler serves as the Assistant Coach for our Jr. Hawks Prep team. His energy and dedication inspire our athletes to build both skill and confidence. Coach Les brings excitement and commitment that make a lasting impact on our youth athletes.

Thank you, Coach Grimsley and Coach Fansler, for your incredible support of our Jr. Hawks — and thank you to every BlazeSports volunteer for the time, heart, and care you bring to our athletes. We truly couldn’t do it without you! 🔥

04/23/2025

🚨Calling all volunteers!🚨 We’re looking for volunteers to assist with the fun Scoop Play portion of our tennis tournament this Saturday from 12:30pm-1:30pm! This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference while having fun at the same time!

Come hit the courts and play alongside our incredible athletes in this exciting and inclusive event. Scoop Play is designed to be a fun and relaxed way to learn tennis, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Join us this Saturday at the Fair Oaks Tennis Center in Marietta, GA. It’s a great chance to get active, connect with athletes, and be part of something truly special. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/42Z6beo

BlazeSports Wheelchair Tennis Tournament/Skills Challenge When: Saturday April 26th 2025, 9:00pm - 2:00pm.  Where: Fair Oaks Tennis Center 1460 W Booth Rd Ext SW, Marietta, GA 30008 Who: Wheelchair athletes, youth and adults who would like to compete in tennis activities          Skills...

04/23/2025

We’re continuing to celebrate the volunteers who bring so much heart and impact to our BlazeSports community!

Renee Morris Wright is not only a proud BlazeSports veteran, but also a passionate advocate who supports and uplifts our veteran programs. Her positive spirit and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact, inspiring everyone around her and helping to strengthen our veteran community is not only a proud BlazeSports veteran, but also a passionate advocate who supports and uplifts our veteran programs. Her positive spirit and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact, inspiring everyone around her and helping to strengthen our veteran community.

Coach Jason Martin Beagle leads our veteran rowing program and the rowing portion of our annual 5K! With a focus on technique, safety, and confidence, Jason guides beginners through the fundamentals of rowing—creating a welcoming and empowering space for athletes to learn and grow.

Thank you, Renee and Coach Jason, for your incredible commitment to our veteran programs. Your leadership and support mean the world to our community! 🔥🚣

04/22/2025

Presenting our April Veteran Spotlight: Gregory Bowers 🇺🇸

Meet Gregory, a proud U.S. Army veteran and a dedicated member of the BlazeSports community. For the past eight years, he’s been an active participant in our veteran programs—leaving a lasting impact and forming meaningful connections along the way.

Gregory has taken part in a wide range of BlazeSports activities, including archery, cycling, bowling, yoga, co****le, and badminton. His involvement across so many programs reflects his commitment to staying active, engaged, and connected.

Reflecting on his experience, Gregory shares, “The biggest impact is watching the veterans enjoy and support one another while overcoming obstacles and living a successful life.” For Gregory, BlazeSports has become more than just recreation—it’s a source of purpose, empowerment, and community.

Thank you, Greg, for your service and for being such a valued part of the Blaze family! 🔥

04/21/2025

We’re also highlighting two more incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to BlazeSports for National Volunteer Week — Jessica Cloy and Colby Higgins.

Jessica Cloy, four-time Team USA Paralympian and seven-time Paralympic medalist, serves as Head Coach for our Blaze Track wheelchair racing athletes! Her elite experience, passion for the sport, and dedication to athlete growth inspire everyone she encounters. Jessica not only helps athletes sharpen their skills on the track but also empowers them to believe in their own potential. We are so grateful for the impact she’s making on and off the fi a four-time Team USA Paralympian and seven-time Paralympic medalist, serves as Head Coach for our Blaze Track wheelchair racing athletes! Her elite experience, passion for the sport, and dedication to athlete growth inspire everyone she encounters. Jessica not only helps athletes sharpen their skills on the track but also empowers them to believe in their own potential. We are so grateful for the impact she’s making on and off the field.

Colby Higgins serves as one of our Blaze Track assistant coaches for our youth wheelchair racing athletes! His background in recreational therapy led him to wheelchair racing and now helps our athletes build confidence, improve technique, and reach their full potential. Colby’s thoughtful, supportive approach makes a meaningful difference at every practice — and we’re so lucky to have him as part of the BlazeSports track family.

Thank you, Jessica and Colby, for the dedication and spirit you bring to BlazeSports every day! 🎖️🔥

04/21/2025

Happy National Volunteer Week! We are excited to share some of the incredible volunteers who help make our programs possible and bring our mission to life. While we’re highlighting just a few, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of our amazing BlazeSports volunteers. Your time, energy, and dedication help us create empowering, inclusive spaces where our athletes can thrive.

We’re proud to spotlight two outstanding volunteers from our BlazeSports Wheelchair Tennis program: Coach Mark and Coach Rob!

Mark LaRotonda serves as a coach for both our wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball programs. His encouraging approach helps athletes of all skill levels grow in both confidence and ability. Mark’s passion for the game—and for our athletes—shines through in every session. We’re incredibly lucky to have him on our team.

Rob Popelka is a motivating presence who leads with patience and heart. His commitment to helping athletes improve—while keeping the game fun and engaging—has made a lasting impact on our tennis community. Rob’s energy and kindness inspire everyone around him, and we’re so grateful for the time and care he pours into every practice.

Thank you, Coach Mark and Coach Rob—and thank you to all of our volunteers who help make BlazeSports possible! 🔥 🎾

04/19/2025

We’re having an amazing time at this year’s Palmetto Games! Our Blaze Swim and Track & Field athletes are shining—and the smiles say it all! 🔥

04/18/2025

Senior Spotlight: Dennis Amey Jr. 🎓

Dennis Amey may have only been with BlazeSports for one year, but the impact he’s made—and the growth he’s experienced—has been nothing short of remarkable. After his injury, Dennis was determined not to let it keep him on the sidelines. Finding wheelchair basketball gave him not only a new sport to play but also a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and community.

He describes joining BlazeSports as one of the best decisions he’s made since his injury. What started as an unfamiliar experience quickly became a turning point. Before, basketball was something he played for fun—but through Blaze, Dennis has gained a deeper understanding of the game and how it thrives in the world of adaptive sports.

Dennis’s favorite BlazeSports memory is his very first practice. He remembers meeting the team, feeling welcomed, and starting to form bonds that grew stronger with every practice and game. The support and camaraderie he found within the team helped him feel at home.

After graduating with the Class of 2025, Dennis plans to attend Kennesaw State University before transferring to Auburn University, where he hopes to continue pursuing wheelchair basketball and further his athletic career.

He describes himself as coachable, resilient, and creative—three qualities that shine both on and off the court. Dennis’s drive, positive spirit, and openness to growth have made him a standout part of our BlazeSports community.

Congratulations, Dennis! We’re so proud of your progress and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got a bright future ahead! 🔥

04/18/2025

Our BlazeSports Lady Ballers are headed to the Wheelchair Basketball National Championship in Fort Wayne, Indiana next weekend—and they need your support to get there!

To help cover travel expenses, we’re rallying behind the team as they prepare for this exciting opportunity. 100% of proceeds will go directly toward their trip. Don’t miss the chance to support these incredible athletes as they take the national stage—donate today! https://bit.ly/41g7W6a

04/13/2025

🎯 The weather is finally warming up, and we are excited to kick off Outdoor Archery starting Tuesday, April 29th! Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, this is your chance to train at your own pace in a fun and supportive environment. With a variety of adaptive equipment available, you can practice for competition or simply enjoy the sport.

Get ready to take aim and challenge yourself—click the link to sign up! https://bit.ly/4hYIeYX

04/10/2025

Senior Spotlight: Ivan Nguyen 🎓

For the past two years, Ivan has been a valued member of BlazeSports, competing in both varsity wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. The connections he has made and the experiences he has gained have been unforgettable. Ivan credits BlazeSports with helping him refine his wheelchair handling skills, particularly learning how to push more efficiently—an essential skill for any adaptive athlete.

Beyond sports, Ivan takes great pride in his academic success, consistently excelling in school through hard work and dedication. After graduating with the Class of 2025, he plans to pursue a degree in graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where his creativity and passion will continue to grow.

When asked about his favorite memory at BlazeSports, Ivan couldn’t pinpoint just one. Instead, he highlights the people—the teammates, coaches, and community—who have made his experience so meaningful.

Describing himself as quiet, funny, and chill, Ivan brings a laid-back but determined attitude to everything he does. His time with BlazeSports has shaped him in ways beyond athletics, and as he takes the next step toward his future, we know he’ll continue to thrive.

Beyond Ivan’s contributions as an athlete, his entire family has been an incredible source of support for the BlazeSports community. Their dedication and involvement have left a lasting impact, and we are grateful for everything they’ve done.

Congratulations, Ivan—we can't wait to see what’s next for you! 🔥

04/10/2025

Our Lady Ballers are heading to Fort Wayne, IN from April 25th–27th for the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball National Championship, and they need your help to get there! Every donation goes directly toward their travel expenses, making this incredible opportunity possible.
Donate today! https://bit.ly/41g7W6a 🔥

04/08/2025

🚴‍♂️ Our Veteran Cycling sessions are back, starting Monday, April 21st! This is your chance to hit the road with fellow veterans for an invigorating ride along the beautiful Silver Comet Trail. Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced rider, these sessions offer a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with others.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling! Click the link to register today! https://bit.ly/3E55oPp

04/06/2025

A huge congratulations to our Jr. Hawks for their incredible work ethic and teamwork throughout the National Championship weekend! 🏀🔥 We’re proud of everything you accomplished on and off the court—way to represent BlazeSports with heart and hustle!
National Wheelchair Basketball Association

04/06/2025

Our Jr. Hawks Prep team wraps up their National Championship weekend with a win! 🏀🔥 We’re so proud of their hustle, heart, and determination throughout the tournament!

04/06/2025

Our Jr. Hawks Varsity takes the win in their final game of the National Championship weekend! 🏀🔥 Awesome effort and teamwork all weekend long—way to finish strong!

04/06/2025

Congratulations to the U.S. Men’s U23 Wheelchair Basketball Team, and to our very own Blaze alumni, Collin and Jude, for winning GOLD at the 2025 IWBF U23 World Championship! 🏆 🏀

04/06/2025

Tomorrow is the final day of the Junior National Tournament! Don’t miss out—watch live and cheer on the Jr. Hawks! 🏀🔥

Watch live here: https://tr.ee/Qia3MJ