On Friday, March 4, 2022, SPIRE Institute & Academy (IA) was pleased to host members of Ashtabula County Developmental Disabilities for a celebratory send-off to recognize athletes who participated in the Special Olympics Indoor Games on March 5th and 6th at Bowling Green State University. The pep rally featured the Geneva High School marching band, SPIRE’s mascot Sparky, Kenny Monday with his Olympic gold medal and members of the SPIRE basketball team.

SPIRE’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Orloff, was proud to host the pep rally. He explains, “We were so pleased to host the Special Olympic Group in their send-off to the Championships in Bowling Green. The Special Olympics is an organization that embodies the beliefs and spirit of SPIRE, and as such, we felt this was a great opportunity to support such an amazing organization.”

The pep rally was yet another way for SPIRE to welcome athletes with special athletic needs to the campus. SPIRE has been available for events, training and hosting games for veterans and Paralympians, as well as Special Olympics athletes through the Adaptive Athlete program. Continuously upgrading the facilities and equipment to provide these athletes with everything they need to succeed, SPIRE remains committed to bettering the training experience for all participants, regardless of their challenges.

SPIRE’s Veterans Sports and Fitness training program encompasses general fitness and sport-specific training and is provided to veterans at no charge. In addition, veterans can participate in group exercises and share a healthy meal with other veterans in the group after their training session. Many in the popular Adaptive Athlete program work out not only for overall health and wellness but also to train for high-profile adaptive sports competitions, both locally and nationally, like the Valor Games, Buckeye Games, Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

With the Paralympics currently underway in Beijing through March 13, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these athletes. SPIRE’s successful Adaptive Athlete program has helped many para-athletes compete and win multiple medals at the National Wheelchair Games and 2021’s long-distance para-athlete Peter Keating trained at SPIRE. SPIRE also hosts USA Wheelchair Basketball annually and is growing its partnership with other national adaptive sports programs including the US Sitting Volleyball team.

Program participants are referred to SPIRE from the Cleveland and Erie Veterans Administration. For the athletes participating in SPIRE’s Adaptive Athlete program, it’s a life-changing experience that offers purpose and strength as well as fellowship opportunities with fellow veterans. If you know a veteran who could benefit from this program reach out to us here.