UCO Wellness Center - DISABLED SPORTS

What is BlazeSports America?
In 1998, U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund (USDAF) introduced a model program in Georgia to bring adapted sports programs to communities throughout the state. Named BlazeSports, after the popular Atlanta Paralympic Games mascot Blaze, the Georgia program quickly evolved into a comprehensive operation of year-round community programs for children and adults with physical disabilities. In March 2002, the USDAF launched a national program - BlazeSports America. Through this national program, nine charter clubs were established and BlazeSports Edmond was formed.

The mission of BlazeSports America is to maximize the potential of people with physical disability through sport. It is a program of the U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

How can I participate in the program?
BlazeSports year-round sports instruction and training is offered through UCO Disabled Sports & Events. This may include clinics, camps and weekly practices.

Regional weekend and summer sport camps are provided by USDAF in cooperation with other local BlazeSports clubs and are open to community program participants. Please see www. blazesports.com for a listing of camps and clinics throughout the nation.

What sports are offered by BlazeSports?
BlazeSports Edmond currently offers four sports. The sports and seasons are listed below.

BlazeBasketball
August – March

BlazeTrack&Field
March – July

BlazeSwimming
September – October; March – June

What disabilities are served through BlazeSports?
BlazeSports offers programs for children and adults who use wheelchairs, are visually impaired, have an amputation or neurological/muscular impairment, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and others.

How do I enter?
Cost to participate in BlazeSports of Edmond is $20 per sport, per calendar year. In addition, a Parent Booster club has been formed for the Blaze Bronchos. This will be an ongoing process to raise funds so the athletes may have uniforms and be able to participate in tournaments and competitions during the season.

For more information, please contact Jennifer DeGiusti at 405.974.3144, or jdegiusti@ucok.edu

Date last updated 06/01/2005