Please tell us a little about yourself Christy…
Christy Jones: I’m a proud Aunt to Isaac and Marianna Jones and proud mom of two fur babies–Jake and Gabriel. I graduated with a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Georgia College and State University. I also completed the School Counseling and Guidance Program at Fort Valley State University and the Orthopedic Impaired Program at Georgia State University in Atlanta. I just recently retired from teaching within the Georgia Public School System with 30 years.
When were you first introduced to AAASP? How many years have you been with AAASP?
I have worked with AAASP in different capacities for 25 years. My first experience was when Carol McCullough from Augusta invited me to officiate one of her games with her. I have been hooked ever since. I have officiated state and national tournaments with AAASP. I also have held positions as coach, area coordinator, and now–AAASP Associate Director.
Why did you get involved with AAASP?
I enjoyed officiating and did that for several years. While I was officiating , I had a family member become a wheelchair user due to medical issues. Seeing the struggle she had with just general access to buildings, finding recreational outlets, and equipment made me start looking within our school system. I realized that our school system, Houston County, missed an entire population of student athletes. We had able-bodied sports and Special Olympics, but we did not have anything to offer students with physical disabilities.
We know AAASP has changed a lot over the years as it has grown—what were a couple of your favorite moments/accomplishments that you would want to share?
There are just so many that I could talk about–but, three of my biggest moments are:
- Seeing the varsity teams compete during the State Basketball Tournament at the Macon Centreplex during the GHSA Tournament. Seeing the athletes compete with their able-bodied peers always is a proud moment.
- Seeing the growth of the program…especially seeing the growth in the central GA area.
- One of my favorite nights of the year is the ASPIRE awards. This event gives everyone a time to come together to celebrates all the athletes and programs around the state accomplishments.
Can you share what YOU think it takes to build a successful program, like the Houston County Sharks’ program?
To have a successful program first and foremost you must have support from your board office. Having a supportive board opens many doors in the schools. Having a dedicated coaching staff willing to put in the extra work to get out in the community and schools to find the student athletes is a necessity. Getting buy-in from the parents and athletes that practice and games are important. You have to be present to get better and compete. Adapted sports are competitive–and to be competitive you must be willing to work hard in order to get better. Educate your community about your program. Take every opportunity to get your program and athletes in front of people. Let them see what your athletes truly are capable of doing!
When did you feel you were “making a difference” with AAASP? What was your “ah-ha” moment?
When we first started the Adapted Sports Program in Houston County, the parents attended every practice. After the first year the parents started dropping their kids off at practice and leaving. That was the point that I realized the parents were truly trusting the coaches and they were looking at their children as athletes! No matter if we ever won a game the fact that the students were gaining that much self- confidence to want to be at practice without their parents being there and the parents being comfortable enough to leave their athletes at the gym with us was a victory!
Any advice you’d like to share with current & future AAASP athletes?
Never accept “NO” for an answer. Always fight for what you want. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box to find a solution.
Any goals for the future?
To be a part of helping AAASP develop programs around the state. I would love to see every student athlete with a physical disability in the state of GA have the opportunity to participate in AdaptED Sports.
Anything else you’d like to share Christy?
Being a part of AAASP has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. It has brought me into contact with so many wonderful athletes, parents, and friends. AAASP truly has enriched my life.