Norcross-Based BlazeSports Wins $50K Gatorade Prize

NORCROSS, GA — BlazeSports, a Norcross-based nonprofit that runs sports and community programs for kids and veterans with disabilities, has won a $50,000 donation from Gatorade.

Gatorade on Tuesday announced that BlazeSports had won its "For the Love of Sports" consumer voting competition.

BlazeSports was the only Georgia organization selected to be part of the six-month promotion, which highlighted nonprofit sports groups across the country that work to incorporate athletics into the daily lives of girls, people with disabilities and others.

"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."

The Gatorade award is one of several honors BlazeSports has received. They include the Ring of Gold Award, presented by the U.S. Olympica Committee for outstanding youth programs, 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.

Celebrating its 20th year in 2016, BlazeSports aims to change the lives of children and adults with disabilities through sports.

In addition to its work in the United States, the organization has served people and communities in 11 countries and partners with groups around the world using sports as a vehicle for social change and inclusion.

Its programs include sport and community programs, youth leadership competitions, camps and clinics, professional continuing education and certification and sports diplomacy.

BlazeSports America is the legacy organization of the 1996 Paralympic Games, which were held in Atlanta.

Photos courtesy BlazeSports.