The 2024 AAASP ASPIRE Awards were held on October 27, 2024.

Hear What AAASP Really Means to Our Community

ANNOUNCING OUR 2024 ASPIRE AWARDS GUEST SPEAKER!

MATT STUTZMAN

Inexplicably born without arms in December of 1982, Matt’s birthparents were soon overwhelmed with the obvious challenges that lay ahead. He was put up for adoption, and in January of 1984, Matt was welcomed into the home of Leon and Jean Stutzman. A remarkably patient, compassionate, and strong-willed couple, the Stutzmans guided Matt through a youth of seemingly insurmountable obstacles of everyday living largely taken for granted in an able-bodied world. Their philosophy was simple; Matt was permitted to try almost anything…if he could do it on his own.
 
Years later, the result is a extraordinary young man, a family man, who can do virtually anything with his feet. Though originally fitted for prosthetic arms as a child, Matt found them cumbersome and unnatural. Today, perhaps the most remarkable thing about Matt is that he lives without prosthetics, in a completely un-adapted world. His home, car, and life are void of modifications of any sort. He lives in the same world you do and has found a way to do virtually everything with his feet. This includes eating, grooming and writing as well as playing the guitar, car maintenance, and of course, extraordinary abilities with a bow and arrow.
 
Matt’s original interest in marksmanship began when he learned to shoot a gun, and then taught himself to shoot a penny at 50 yards away. He took to a bow and arrow so as to join his father while hunting. Eventually it became his passion and evolved into his dream to become the world’s best archer. Though many may argue otherwise, Matt considers his physical challenges to be advantageous to archery. His necessary style of shooting with his leg provides great stability with the bow, and a lifetime of indescribable patience and tenacity are deeply ingrained characteristics that would serve any athlete, in any sport, well.
 
Dubbed The Armless Archer, Matt’s remarkable story has captured the attention of the media around the world. A natural public speaker, he regularly uses humor (at his own expense) and remarkable demonstrations of his foot skills, to engage audiences of all kinds who are left entertained, inspired and believing anything is possible

Paralympic Experience:

  • Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, 9th (Individual Compound Open - Men)
  • Paralympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 9th (Individual Compound Open - Men)
  • Paralympic Games London 2012, Silver (Individual Compound Open - Men)

World Championship Experience:

  • 2023 – Bronze (Team Compound Open - Men), 9th (Individual Compound Open - Men)
  • Years of Participation: Individual Compound Open - Men 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023; Team Compound Open - Men 2015, 2019, 2023; Team Compound Open - Mixed 2019
  • Gold Medals – 2022 (Individual Compound Open - Men); 2015 (Team Compound Open - Men)
  • Bronze Medals – 2023 (Team Compound Open - Men); 2019 (Individual Compound Open - Men)
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Congratulations to Our 2024 ASPIRE Award Nominees

Athlete of the Year Award Nominees:

  • Adela Alejo - JV Female (Clarke County School District) -
  • Kila-Ray Brown - Varsity Female (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Adolfo Gonzalez - JV Male (Houston County School District)
  • Paul Hart - JV Male (Muscogee County School District)
  • Jace Harter - JV Male (Peach County School District)
  • Jaedin Lowe - Varsity Male (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • McCarty McGraw - JV Female (Muscogee County School District)
  • Caleb Merriken - JV Male (Muscogee County School District)
  • Gavin Pijnenburg - Varsity Male (Troup County Schools)
  • Madison Ryan - JV Female (Houston County School District)
  • Najee Smothers - Varsity Male (DeKalb County Schools)

Coach of the Year Award Nominees:

  • John Bolles - JV (Muscogee County School District)
  • Jeremy Downing - Varsity (Houston County School District)
  • Dr. Nicholas Griffin - Varsity (Troup County School System
  • Kristen Harter - JV (Peach County School District)
  • Julius Hooper - JV (Clarke County School District)
  • Walter Johnson - JV (Peach County School District)
  • Harlon Matthews - JV (Griffin RESA / Henry County School / Henry County Parks & Recreation)
  • Jaqueline Randall - JV/Varsity (Houston County School District)
  • Kelly Richburg - JV (Muscogee County School District)
  • Stephen Roberson - JV (Houston County School District)
  • Jacob Roche - Varsity (Troup County Schools)
  • Lynnette Swanson - Varsity (Gwinnett  County Public Schools)
  • Sebastian Tillman - Varsity (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Wellington deLuna Vazquez - Varsity/Community (Georgia State University, Georgia Blind Sports Association)
  • Bryan Watts - Varsity (Houston County School District)

Community-Based Award Nominees:

  • Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center (Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center )
  • Therapeutic Recreation Department (Henry County Parks & Recreation)

Education-Based Award Nominees:

  • Clarke County School District (Clarke County School District)
  • Henry County Schools (Henry County Schools
  • Peach County School District (Peach County School District)
  • Troup County School System (Troup County School System)

Eli Wolff Advocacy Award Nominees:

  • Dr. Tracy Butler (Atlanta Public Schools)
  • Dr. Nicholas Griffin (Troup County School System)
  • Dr. Robbie Hooker (Clarke County School District)
  • Kelli Hutcheson (Henry County Schools)
  • Bobby Ryals (Houston County School District)
  • Debbie Skipworth (Muscogee County School District)

Founder's Award Nominees:

  • Barry Ewing (Eagle Sports Chairs)
  • Minnesota State High School League (Minnesota State High School League)
  • Kyoya Itoga (Wheelchair Football Japan)
  • Terri Lakowski (Active Policy Solutions)

Gail Hendrick Volunteerism Award Nominees:

  • Samuel Gonzalez (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Rosa Hamlin (Peach County School District)
  • Erica Rogers (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Wellington deLuna Vazquez (Georgia State University, Georgia Blind Sports Association)
  • Logan Wegienka (Troup County Schools)

High School Senior Athlete Award Nominees:

  • McCarty McGraw (Muscogee County School District)
  • Edward Rhone (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • JaQuavious West (Houston County School District)

Leslie Sweatman Official of the Year Award Nominees:

  • Steven Lewis (Official)

Media Award Nominees:

  • Kevin Eckleberry (BeeTV Sports)
  • Jon Nelson (GPB Sports)
  • Tori Newman (University of Georgia)
  • Jay Phillips (The Champion - DeKalb)
  • Ethan Strang (LaGrange Daily News)

Most Improved Athlete Award Nominees:

  • Sannitra Colbert - JV Female (Peach County School District)
  • Hunter Culverson - JV Male (Muscogee County School District)
  • Andrew Dotson - Varsity Male (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Laniya Jones - Varsity Female (Clayton County Public Schools)
  • Cole Maples - JV Male (Peach County School District)
  • Mickelson McGraw - JV Male (Muscogee County School District)
  • Ashlyn Stevens - Varsity Female (Houston County School District)
  • Jace Tolliver - JV Male (Peach County Schools)
  • Gabriel Williams - Varsity Male (Troup County Schools)
  • Naomie Wilson - JV Female (Houston County School District)

Scholar Athlete of the Year Award Nominees:

  • Elianna Stevens - Varsity Female (Houston County Schools)
  • Caleb Watters - JV Male (Peach County School District)
  • Caleb Merriken - JV Male (Muscogee County School District)

Purchase Your ASPIRE Awards Tickets Here!

NOTE: FREE Admission for ALL 2024 ASPIRE Awards Nominees!
(1 event ticket per athlete)

Please review the ticket types shown below:

  • AAASP Member Ticket - $35.00 (For AAASP Member Schools, Families and ASPIRE Award Nominee guests)
  • AAASP Non-Member Ticket - $50.00 (For Professional, Corporate, Sponsors and all other guests)
  • Family of Four Ticket - $150 (A $50 savings before Sept. 21st)
  • Team Table Ticket - $350
  • Table Ticket- $500

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future - Become a 2024 ASPIRE Awards Sponsor Today!

The American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs (AAASP) ASPIRE Awards (AdaptED Sports Programs in Recreation and Education) honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in contributing to the physical, social, and intellectual well-being of children and adolescents with physical disabilities and impairments through the power of athletics.

Download & Share:
2024 AAASP ASPIRE Sponsorship Opportunities (PDF)

Be a Champion for Change

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AAASP IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS for THE 2024 ASPIRE Awards !

NOTE: Please Click here FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEW 2024 ASPIRE Award Nomination Categories.

Each year, ASPIRE Award winners are chosen through a peer-nomination process.

An ASPIRE Award recognizes the significant contributions of individuals and organizations that have been central to the mission of making adapted sports programming available to children with physical disabilities.

Through these programs, student athletes with physical disabilities  reap the physical, social, emotional and academic benefits of competitive athletics resulting in personal and social empowerment.

The ASPIRE Award was established to recognize those who support and advocate on behalf of adapted sports. The award showcases those who stand as role models; individuals, companies and organizations that have taken a proactive and innovative path in support of competitive sports programs for student athletes with physical disabilities.

2024 ASPIRE Award Nominations - Award Categories

1. ADVOCACY AWARD
  • Individual or organization  - Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional efforts toward the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
2. EDUCATION-BASED AWARD
  • School or School District Program - Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their school community.
3. COMMUNITY-BASED AWARD
  • Group, Team or Organization (Recreation Department, YMCA, Club program, or other)  - Presented to those groups who have demonstrated excellence and/or outstanding achievement in establishing, expanding or sustaining adapted sports programming in their community.
4. MEDIA AWARD
  • News Organization or Individual - Presented to an individual or news organization that provides conscientious coverage and visibility to AAASP’s sports leagues (should be active working media – Radio, TV, Newspaper, magazine, film writers, producers, online bloggers, anchors, etc.)
5. GAIL HENDRICKS VOLUNTEERISM AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional efforts in support of AAASP’s sports league.
6. OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a male athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
7. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a female athlete that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
8. HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to a Senior in High School that has demonstrated exceptional efforts and leadership qualities in the AAASP’s sports league.
9. COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
10. LESLIE SWEATMAN OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
11. OUTSTANDING COACH - JR. VARSITY
  • Individual - This award, voted on by the committee, will be given to an outstanding AAASP coach, coaching at the Junior Varsity level
12. OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR (MALE)
  • Individual - The outstanding scholar male athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well.  Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient.  All athletes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
13. OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR (FEMALE)
  • Individual - The outstanding scholar female athlete will be recognized at this year's event, for not only their participation and excellence on the court, but their excellence in the classroom as well.  Rigor of schedule, and grades, as well as recommendation will all be considered in selection of this year's recipient.  All athetes MUST apply to be considered, and should submit last semester's grades for consideration.
14. OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE (POWER CHAIR)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair male athletes  
15. OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE (POWER CHAIR)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair female athletes
16. MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE
  • Individual - The most improved athlete award, new this year, will be selected from the pool of candidates, and the recommendations from their coaches - demonstrating why they are the most improved.
17. LEAGUE MVP - VARSITY
  • Individual - Voted by other teams,  this athlete will be recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing at the Varsity level. 
18. LEAGUE MVP - JR. VARSITY
  • Individual - Voted by other teams,  this athlete will be recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing at the Junior Varsity level.  
19. AAASP ALL-STAR / ALL TOURNAMENT TEAMS
  • Individuals - Voted by other teams,  these athletes will be selected and recognized for their excellence in play, in leading the team, and their sportsmanship playing in three regular seasons of play - Wheelchair Handball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Football. 

The ASPIRE Awards HALL OF FAME:

  • GAEL (Georgia Association of Educational Leaders) –  Honoring Robert “Buddy” Costley, Executive Director, and Dr. Zabrina Cannady, President of GAEL, Eli Wolff Award for Advocacy
  • Ed Shaddix –  Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Eli Wolff Award for Advocacy
  • Dr. Nicholas Griffin – West Georgia Wolverines, Troup County Schools, Coach of the Year Varsity Award
  • Len Boudreaux – Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Coach of the Year Junior Varsity Award
  • Miracle League of the Okefenokee – Ware County Recreation Department, Waycross, GA
  • Quality Living, Inc. – Honoring Ed Armstrong, Omaha Parks and Recreation, Omaha, NE, Outstanding Program Community-Based Award
  • Clayton Eagles, Clayton County Public Schools – Honoring Dr. Sheila Cook, Area Coordinator; Trina Smith, Director of Special Education; Coach Sebastian Tillman, Mark Christmas, Clayton County Board of Education District 2, and Marcia Payton Edwards, Principal, Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy, Outstanding Program School-Based Award
  • Jeff Jones – Gwinnett Heat, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gail Hendricks Volunteerism Award
  • Tadaisia Hillman – Clayton Eagles, Clayton County Public Schools, Senior Athlete of the Year Award
  • Aron Young – AAASP League, Leslie Sweatman Official of the Year Award
  • Michael Leverett – Disability Connections, Macon, GA, Houston Sharks, Media Hero Award
  • King James McMurry – DeKalb Silver Streaks, DeKalb County Schools, Most Improved Athlete Award
  • Caleb Merriken – Muscogee Lions, Muscogee County School District, Power Chair Athlete of the Year Award
  • Dominique Epps – Muscogee Lions, Muscogee County School District, Male Athlete of the Year Award
  • Taylor Nation – West GA Wolverines, Troup County Schools, Female Athlete of the Year Award
  • Anthony Cuti – Houston Sharks, Houston County Schools, Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
  • Kila-Ray Brown – Clayton Eagles, Clayton County Public Schools, Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
  • Robyn Hootselle – AAASP Adapted Sports Director, GA, Founder's Award for Career Achievement for Extraordinary Service
  • Michelle Masters – Executive Director of Adm. Services, Peach County Schools, GA, Founder's Award for Career Achievement for Extraordinary Service
  • Billy Mitchell – Senior Creative Director, MLT Creative, Tucker, GA, Founder's Award for Career Achievement for Extraordinary Service
  • Matt Albert – Art Director, MLT Creative, Tucker, GA, Founder's Award for Career Achievement for Extraordinary Service