PARALYMPIC SPORT TAMPA BAY WINS TOP HONOR - ARTICLE COURTESY OF MARY SHEDDEN WITH THE TAMPA TRIBUNE

June 8, 2010

A program promoting fitness among local disabled athletes has been honored as one of the nation's best.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay, formerly Blaze Sports, was named the top local club in the country by United States Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).

More than 100 clubs were up for the honor, recognizing groups that promote sport activities for persons with physical and visual disabilities.

More than 250 youths and adults compete with Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay. Sports include wheelchair basketball and softball, track and field, swimming, archery, tennis, table tennis, soccer and handball.

Last year, six athletes from the program participated in the National Junior Disability Championships in St. Louis and won 67 medals.

The program, which operates from Tampa's All People's Life Center, is part of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. For information about its programs, call (813) 744-5307.

back to the press room