White House Awards BlazeSports America Executive Director

Cynthia Frisina of BlazeSports America Receives "Champions of Change" Award at White House
By: BlazeSports America
 
ATLANTA - Oct. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- Cynthia Frisina, the Executive Director of BlazeSports America in Atlanta, was recognized at the White House for its "Champions of Change" award on Friday, September 30. Ten individuals were selected from across the country by the White House for their work with extracurricular enrichment, afterschool, and summer programming for marginalized girls, including girls of color.

"I'm extremely honored to be selected by the White House for this truly remarkable award, and to be able to represent BlazeSports America and our work at the nation's capital," said Frisina. "This award reflects the mission of BlazeSports America and our work to change and impact the lives of our young athletes. I could not be more proud that our programs have been not only noticed by the White House, but to be awarded amongst these other great national organization leaders."

According to the White House, Frisina was selected because of her work with BlazeSports America since taking over as Executive Director. Under Frisina's direction, BlazeSports America has tripled the number of girls with disabilities participating in sports from the recreational to the elite Paralympic level through innovative, afterschool, community-based adaptive sports programs like their "Girls with Bows" archery program, swimming, track and field, rock climbing, summer camp and community collaborations designed to raise self-esteem, improve academic performance and leadership skills, facilitate inclusion and reduce stigmas for girls with disabilities.

Recently, McClain Hermes, a 15-year old female athlete, competed at the Paralympic Games in Rio as a member of BlazeSports America. As a legally blind athlete, she has trained with BlazeSports America through its swimming program.

The event will feature remarks by White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and CEO and Founder of Black Girls Rock! Beverly Bond.

"Learning shouldn't end when the school bell rings, so neither should our work to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive," said Jarrett. "That's why all young people, including marginalized girls and girls of color, deserve to have access to great after-school and summer experiences that engage their curiosity and help them grow. Our Champions of Change are doing just that in their communities, and they're creating a brighter future for the next generation in the process. We're proud to lift their work at the White House, and hope other local leaders emulate the extraordinary examples they've set."

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. The event was streamed on the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/live on Friday, September 30 at 11:30 am.

About BlazeSports America www.blazesports.org

Based in Atlanta and celebrating 20 years in 2016, BlazeSports America's mission is to change the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities through adaptive and Paralympic sport. In addition to its US efforts, BlazeSports America has served individuals and communities in 11 countries and partners with organizations around the world utilizing sport as a vehicle for social change and greater inclusion. The interdisciplinary approach includes sport and community programs, youth leadership, competitions, camps and clinics, professional continuing education and certification and sport diplomacy. BlazeSports America serves children and adults as well as military veterans with physical disabilities.

BlazeSports America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is the legacy organization of the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, Ga., offering programs and services that encourage lifelong health, build leadership skills, foster independence and inclusion, and promote an inclusive society. BlazeSports America is a member of United States Olympic Committee – Multi-Sport Organization and the USA Member Organization of Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association. www.BlazeSports.org

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Subject:Awards
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Page Updated Last on: Oct 19, 2016
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