So you want to nominate a HERO?
Are you ready to recognize a person or group who has done some pretty extraordinary things?

As you consider your Heroes, please review our NEW categories for the 2023 ASPIRE Awards.

2023 ASPIRE Award Categories

ADVOCACY AWARD
  • Individual or organization  - Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional efforts toward the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
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.
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.
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.)
GAIL HENDRICKS VOLUNTEERISM AWARD
  • Individual - Presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional efforts in support of AAASP’s sports league.
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.
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.
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.
COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
LESLIE SWEATMAN OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
  • Individual
NEW 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
NEW 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.
NEW 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.
NEW OUTSTANDING MALE ATHLETE (Power Chair)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair male athletes  
NEW OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE (Power Chair)
  • Individual - Open only to power chair female athletes
NEW 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.
NEW 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. 
NEW 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.  
NEW 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. 
Access the ASPIRE 2023 Nominations Form

All AAASP ASPIRE Award winners are chosen through a nomination process. ASPIRE Award Nominees will be announced in August 2023.

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 across the state 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.

Hear what AAASP really means to our community