The president of an Atlanta company will hike one of the most famous trails in the world on August 22, 2018 to raise funds for BlazeSports America. The national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization empowers children and adults with physical disabilities through sports programs, such as wheelchair athletics. Lisa Simmons, president of Beacon Management Services, will complete the epic "Rim to Rim" hike which extends 25 miles from one side of the Grand Canyon to the other.
100% of all donations will be used to purchase new wheelchair and track equipment, as well as support athletic programs for participants with disabilities.
"Adapting wheelchairs and track chairs for competition costs anywhere from $3,00 to $4,000 said Cynthia Frisina, Executive Director of BlazeSports America. "We help bring the power of sport to young people and veterans who could not otherwise afford to participate in our programs."
BlazeSports America serves children and adults through adaptive sport and recreation programs, as well as military veterans with service related injuries. Since the organization’s start in 1996 following the Atlanta Paralympic Games, more than 1 million people have been reached worldwide with over 21 million hours of adaptive sports programming and leadership. Common injuries include spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, amputations, spina bifida and visual impairments, among others. The nonprofit offers popular sports camps, clinics, workshops, tournaments and competitions across the world. The organization bears the name of the highly popular 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games mascot, Blaze.
"The individuals who compete in these sports programs symbolize the power of the human spirit to prevail over any circumstance," said Lisa Simmons. "Donating to this effort means that you will provide young people and adults with physical challenges the chance to play sports and live healthy, active lives. I plan to make this an annual event."
On the epic Grand Canyon hike, Lisa Simmons will leave from the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim, challenging her personal limits as she descends 15 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon. She will cross the Colorado River before connecting with the Bright Angel Trail and climbing 4,500 feet and 9.6 miles back out again to the South Rim in under two days.
Make a Donation Online
100% of all funds will be used to purchase new wheelchair and track equipment, and support programs for young people and veterans. Donate online via the secure website using this link: http://bit.ly/2uLcdxR All major credit cards are accepted. Tax ID# 58-2087265
For more information contact:
Lisa Simmons, Beacon Management Services
(404) 308-3188 or email at lsimmons@beaconmanagementservices.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2fSNR38OBQ0
