BlazeSports America Wins $50,000 During Gatorade “For the Love of Sports” Campaign

Georgia-based nonprofit BlazeSports America has announced it is the winner of the Gatorade “For the Love of Sports” consumer voting competition, awarding the nonprofit a $50,000 donation from the sports drink company. BlazeSports America was the only Georgia nonprofit that was selected to be part of the six-month promotion that highlighted nonprofit sports organizations across the country and the work they do incorporating athletics into the daily lives of girls, people with physical disabilities and more.

“We’re thrilled to not only be awarded this money - and of course be recognized by Gatorade on a national level - but also we’re humbled that so many people voted to support and make this donation possible,” said Cynthia Frisina, BlazeSports America executive director. “This $50,000 donation will help us continue to provide quality sports program to kids and veterans with physical disabilities, as well help provide adaptive sport equipment to our athletes and more. We’re excited to put this donation to great use.”

BlazeSports America adds this Gatorade accolade to a list of other recent recognitions, including the Rings of Gold Award presented by the US Olympic Committee for outstand Youth Program in the U.S. and the 2016 “Champions of Change” Award, provided to Frisina at the White House for work encouraging and providing opportunities for girls with physical disabilities to become more active in sports and recreation activities.

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

###