TALLAHASSEE 2018

Thursday, April 12 Opening Ceremony and Seminole Showdown

6:00 PM — 8:00 PM at the Miracle Field at Messer Park

Friday, April 13

Indoor Recreation & Resource Expo 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM at TCC Lifetime Sports Complex

Saturday, April 14 Outdoor Recreation

10:00 AM — 3:00 PM at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Free shuttle on Saturday from CK Steele Plaza 2

Welcome to SportsAbility! We are celebrating our 28th Annual SportsAbility of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association. The benefits of recreation and physical activity are numerous— VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Employability Skills, Job Readiness), SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT (Reduced Health Care Costs, Community Inclusion), HEALING (Therapeutic Rehabilitation, Return of Daily Function), WELLNESS (Disease Prevention, Health Maintenance), PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Mental and Emotional Well-being, Socialization Skills), TRANSITION SKILLS (Independent Living Skills, Socialization Skills/Networking).

SportsAbility is here to help EVERYONE experience these benefits. Thank you again for your past and future support to help us to help others to be healthier, happier and more productive. #Active4Life

Sincerely,

David Jones President

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To all the volunteers, sponsors, and activity providers who give your valuable time and resources to make

SportsAbility possible— WE THANK YOU!

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A special thank you to City of Tallahassee,

Tallahassee Community College and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

for their partnership in planning and facilitation.

Bill Redmon

Curtis Richardson

Pernille Urban

Bliss Wilson

Miracle Coaches: Katie Ewart

Casey Crowe

Staff:

Laurie LoRe-Gussak, Exec. Dir.

Intern: Blake Mandelman

David Jones, President

Gordon Palmer, Vice President

Kristy Carter, Secretary

George Coaker, Dir. at Large

Ned Campbell, Treasurer

Judi Collins

David Damon

Jeff Douglas

Randall Flagler

Greg Granger

Michael Isaacson

John Maslar

Tommy Mills

WE APPRECIATE YOU!

SportsAbility would not be possible without the FDOA Board and Advisory Board and their families:

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MIRACLE SPORTS OF TALLAHASSEE

OPENING CEREMONY

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THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

James Messer Sports Complex— Miracle Field (#3) 2830 Jackson Bluff Road, Tallahassee FL, 32304

The Miracle Sports program provides an opportunity for children and adults of all abilities to play a variety of sports year-round. With a specially designed rubber turf field, adaptive equipment and modified rules; the Miracle Field enables people of all abilities to participate and benefit from team sports.

Tallahassee’s Miracle Field was made possible through the dedication and hard work of many businesses and organizations such as the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, the Kiwanis Club, the City of Tallahassee – Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs, and Leon County to name a few.

People of all ages and all abilities are welcome. No experience is necessary! Multiple sports are played year-round Thursday evenings from 6-7 pm for youth; and 7-8 pm for adults. Scholarships are available through the generosity of the Kiwanis of the Big Bend. Special recognition goes to Keith Roberts and Jim Wylie for their dedication and contributions to the Miracle Sports program.

Whether you are signing up to: participate as a player, volunteer or just cheer on the players; we welcome you to come and enjoy a day at the Miracle Field!

To register, volunteer, or for more information, please contact: FDOA at (850) 201-2944 or info@fdoa.org

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SPORTSABILITY KEYNOTE

Alexey Talai is a motivational and inspirational speaker from Belarus. In his class, he is #1 in the world in the 2017 World Swimming Para Rankings. Despite his accolades, he is a simple man who lives a simple life. He is a businessman and father of three. In 1999, at the age of 16, Alexey lost his arms and legs due to an exploded bomb that had previously laid in the earth, undetected, for more than half a century. Despite the detriment of his injury, Alexey picked himself up and, more importantly, didn't give up.

Alexey taught himself to not only live, but prosper, inside of his new body. Alexey advocates that the fundamental factor to survival is acceptance, and he decided to turn all of his negatives into positives. One of his greatest achievements is serving as a mentor and leader for orphans and children with disabilities. He was able to open himself to a new world where limitations did not exist. He is a firm believer, as well as living proof, that anyone can be anything as long as they work hard and strive for success.

Alexey is stronghold in his claim that the harder the struggle, the greater the victory. The struggle was real when Alexey lost his arms and legs; however, he has overcome his difficulties and has come out victorious in life. Nothing is impossible for Alexey, and he strives to spread that lesson to everyone.

One of the greatest lessons in life is coming to grips with the fact that not everything goes as planned. However, as is the case with Alexey and many other individuals, if you can take the curveballs that life throws at you and knock them out of the park, then you will truly live a life full of greatness.

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SPORTSABILITY KEYNOTE– Alexey Talai

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Sports Demonstrations and Clinics

Prepare to be delighted by performances of various groups and demonstrations. Hopefully, it inspires you to join and participate in one of these groups or clubs to lead a more active life.

Subway Sandwiches are provided for exhibitors and performers only. They will be available for purchase until supply lasts.

Subway Sandwich — $3.00

Cookie or Chips — $ 1.00

Tea — $1.00

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Display and Resource Tables

There is so much to learn at the SportsAbility Expo! Take this opportunity to ask questions, communicate your needs, and find out about the latest resources available. Vendors are looking forward to sharing about how they help people throughout the community.

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FRIDAY, AP IL 15, 2011

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

10:00 AM — 10:05 AM Laurie LoRe-Gussak, FDOA Executive Director

10:05 AM — 10:30 AM Dragon Systems Martial Arts

10:30 AM— 11:15 AM Pyramid Studios, Inc., Electric People Rock Band

11:15 AM— 11:45 AM Gretchen Everhart Chorus

11:45 AM — 12:00 PM David Jones, FDOA President—Award Presentation

12:00 PM — 12:15 PM - Keynote Alexey Talai, Paralympic Swimmer from Belarus

12:15PM — 12:30 PM Sheri Rowland, PHD, Vice President of Student Affairs

Jennifer Barr, LCSW, Director of Student Services

12:30 PM — 2:00 PM Tennis Demonstration / Goal ball Demonstration

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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RESOURCE TABLES AND DISPLAYS

Ability 1st Center for Independence Living The Able Trust Accessibility Solutions Access Recreation, LLC Action Track ADA Boats Agency for Persons with Disabilities American Canoe Association American Ramp System Big Bend Transit Children’s Home Society City of Tallahassee, Parks, Recreation and

Neighborhood Affairs Disability Rights Florida Dragon System Martial Arts The Family Café, Inc. Family Care Council Family Network on Disabilities Fitness Pro Fixing Boo Boo Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University CeDAR Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology Florida Division of Blind Services Florida Beach and Trail Mobility Florida Department of Economic Opportunity -

Unique Abilities Partner Program Florida Department of Health– Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Florida Department of Health Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Florida Disabled Outdoors Association Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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RESOURCE TABLES AND DISPLAYS

Florida Greenways and Trails Florida State Park Department of Environmental Protection Friends of Florida State Parks FSU Art Therapy Association FSU Autism Speaks FSU Department of Communication Disorders Goodwill Gretchen Everhart Chorus HealthSouth Kiwanis of the Big Bend Lighthouse of the Big Bend Leon County Property Appraiser Office Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office Miracle Sports Parents of the Panhandle Information Network Progressive Pediatric Pyramid Studios, Inc. Removing the Barriers Initative Special Olympics Stand up and Play Foundation Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)- Leon County Tallahassee Community College Eagle Connection Tallahassee Community College Disability Services Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Memory Disorder Clinic TMH Head Injury Support Group United States Tennis Association United States Fish and Wildlife Service VSA Florida Wounded Warrior Project WTWC– NBC 40

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

FDOA Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the Year Award goes to George Coaker!

George Coaker’s answer is always a resounding “YES!”

George has

volunteered to coordinate ALLOUT

Adventure Programs including mobility impaired

hunts, fishing programs and other

adventures. He does lifting, hauling, calling, advocating and representing in

FDOA programs. He is always ready to

help!

George quietly goes about helping in every way he can; he doesn’t ask for recognition, but he certainly deserves it!

Thank you George for ALL you do!!

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

FDOA Active Leisure for Life Award We celebrate the efforts of those who have contributed to the disability

community. The 2018 Active Leisure for Life award is presented to The Family Cafe for their outstanding service to the people of all

abilities in promoting active leisure lifestyles.

The Family Café exists to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitator of communication, a space for

dialogue and a source of information.

They have consistently been a proponent of recreation and active leisure for people of all abilities. At the Family Café Annual program,

they have provided an entire track of education sessions on accessible inclusive recreation AND provided opportunities for people to

participate in physical activity to enable hands-on learning. The Family Café has shown a true commitment to enabling people of ALL abilities to benefit from the physical, vocational, social and societal benefits of

recreation.

Persons accepting the Award on behalf

of The Family Café are:

Lori Fahey Jeremy Countryman

    

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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309

(850) 487-4556

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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Activity Map

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309

(850) 487-4556

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SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018

Sit Water Skiing Wave Runners Pontoon Boat Rides Kayaking Big Canoe Paddleboarding SCUBA Rockwall Climbing SNAG Golf Paramobile (Golf) Horseback Rides

Hover Ball Sailing Biking Storytelling Disc Golf Tour of Gardens Bocce Nature Trail Cart Ride Bean Bag Toss Music by:

Mike, Zach & Friends

Free Big Bend Transit Shuttles

CK Steel Plaza Shuttle to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Pickup: 9:00 & 10:00 AM / Return: 3:00 & 4:00 PM

Parking Shuttle Shuttle will run continuously to and from

Maclay School to Maclay Gardens

Activity Shuttle Shuttle will run continuously between three shuttle stops within

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Thanks to our Sponsors, hotdogs and lemonade are provided at no cost!

Check out Crave Food Truck for other food options & drinks available for purchase.

10:00 AM — 3:00 PM: Participate in your choice of activities:

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SPORTSABILITY GOLD SPONSORS

Please thank these sponsors for their support in making SportsAbility possible!

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SPORTSABILITY GOLD SPONSORS

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SPORTSABILITY GOLD SPONSORS

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MEDIA PARTNERS

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SPORTSABILITY SILVER SPONSORS

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SPORTSABILITY BRONZE SPONSORS

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Photographers:

Dave Shoemaker Ross Obley

George and Cathy Burton Tom and Teresa Darragh

SPORTSABILITY BRONZE SPONSORS

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ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Ability 1st AccessRec LLC

Agency for Persons with Disabilities Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club

Family Café Fitness Pro

Flowers Bakery Florida Division of Blind Services

FSU Art Therapy Association FSU Sport Management Program

FSU Speech and Hearing Clinic / Ellen & Bill Nimmons Gretchen Everhart Chorus

Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office Pyramid Studios, Inc.

United States Tennis Association Wilderness Way/ TnT Hideaway

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Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) – This program, funded by the Florida Department of Health Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, provides an education and resource referral program to assist people with brain and spinal cord injuries in pursuing current recreation and leisure providers and available associated assistive services and technologies.

Miracle Sports – This program provides an opportunity for children and adults of all abilities to play team sports. Participation in sports is instrumental in the development of social skills and maintenance of overall wellness.

ALLOUT Outdoor Adventure Program — This program includes the mobility impaired hunting program, which is the benchmark for mobility-impaired hunts throughout the United States. The program also includes a variety of other outdoor adventure trips, such as Hands Helping Anglers.

For more information on any of these programs, e-mail info@fdoa.org or call (850) 201-2944.

OTHER FDOA PROGRAMS

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Resource Referral Network is available on-line to help people locate accessible, inclusive recreation:

Programs and Services

Products

Destinations

Events

At www.fdoa.org/resources you can search by a Florida county, by your activity of interest, or for information on only destina-tions. Check it out!

RESOURCES

The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association's listing of recreation services does not constitute an endorsement of any program, service, product, event or destination. This database is for information and referral purposes only. By using this resource, the user agrees not to hold the FDOA liable for problems that may occur.

If you know of accessible inclusive programs, events or destinations in Florida that are not in the Resource database, please send an e-mail to info@fdoa.org.

Beach Wheelchairs: The majority of Florida parks with water access have a beach wheelchair or may share one between several parks. We suggest you call the park you wish to visit at least 72 hours in advance to inquire.

Florida State Parks has very helpful web pages: www.floridastateparks.org/access-for-all/committed-to-accessibility

www.floridastateparks.org/activity-list/Wheelchair-Accessible

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Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (850) 201-2944 / info@fdoa.org

www.fdoa.org

Check out the photos from SportsAbility www.facebook.com/fdoa.org

Save the dates:

SportsAbility Sampler at Family Café in Orlando

June 15-17, 2018

Recreation Assistive Tech & Toys Demo St. George Island State Park

September 22, 2018

3rd Annual Big Kahuna Voyager Canoe Race

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens March 3, 2019

SportsAbility Tallahassee

April 2019