PR Newswire.
BlazeSports Plays Pivotal Role in Al Mead to Becoming USOPA Georgia Chapter President.
BlazeSports America, member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Multi-Sport Organization Council and a leader in the field of adaptive sports and recreation, championed Paralympic gold medalist Al Mead in the search for a U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association (USOPA) Georgia chapter president. Mead is the first Paralympian ever to serve as a USOPA chapter president.
Mead played a key role in bringing the 1996 Paralympic Games to Atlanta. Following the event, Mead was part of the group that helped to establish BlazeSports America as the Games’ legacy organization to provide adaptive sports programming for youth, adults, and veterans with disabilities.
“Al’s leadership has shaped opportunities for adaptive athletes for nearly three decades. When we heard that the USOPA was looking for a president to lead the Georgia-based chapter, Al’s was the first name that came to mind,” said BlazeSports Executive Director Dawn Churi. “His role in bringing the Paralympic Games to Atlanta and therefore helping to form BlazeSports represents his true dedication to furthering the opportunities and access for adaptive athletes. This is a milestone moment for Paralympian representation nationwide.”
Mead has remained closely involved with BlazeSports since its inception, championing its mission of empowerment through sport. Mead has spoken and been recognized at the nonprofit’s annual Triumph of the Human Spirit Awards Gala, recognizing individuals, groups, and organizations that have made a profound impact on the world of adaptive sports. In addition, he has remained a strong role model for the athletes and veterans participating in BlazeSports programs over the years.
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