BlazeSports Triumph of the Human Spirit Gala Celebrates Exceptional Achievement in Adaptive Sports

On October 18, 2023 BlazeSports America, a nonprofit organization founded as the legacy organization of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and a leader in the field of adaptive sports and recreation, hosted the annual 2023 Triumph of the Human Spirit Gala to celebrate exceptional individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in adaptive sports.

Triumph of Human Spirit Gala highlights the incredible accomplishments of athletes, coaches, volunteers, organizations and mentors in the adaptive sports community, and we are so proud of each of the award winners and all they have done.”  said Dawn Churi, Executive Director of BlazeSports.

Here are the winners of the 2023 Triumph of the Human Spirt Awards Gala:

• Youth Athlete of the Year – Ben Vondrack

• Outstanding Young Alumni – Martinez Johnson

• Veteran of the Year – Anthony Jewell

• Volunteer of the Year – Alex Bradley

• Coach of the Year – Mara Cunningham

• Team of the Year – 2022-2023 Lady Ballers

Mara Cunningham, former Vanderbilt collegiate athlete and current Sr. Manager of Community Basketball Programs at the Atlanta Hawks, was honored with the Coach of the Year award as she has channeled her passion for sports into a coaching career that has left a mark on the BlazeSports organization. Mara’s leadership and unwavering dedication to the 2022-2023 Lady Ballers team led them to a memorable inaugural season.

“As a former female collegiate athlete, I understand the importance of representation and being part of the first ever female-only wheelchair basketball team in Georgia has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.”said Mara Cunningham.

Since 2013 BlazeSports and the Atlanta Hawks have had an extensive partnership. Through their partnership, BlazeSports America’s Atlanta Jr. Hawks Wheelchair Basketball Program has been one of the fastest growing and most successful programs in the country. In addition, the Hawks have been instrumental in partnering with BlazeSports on cresting the only female wheelchair basketball team in Georgia, The Lady Ballers, to help promote equality and representation in adaptive sports.

For more information, please visit www.blazesports.org