Episode 65: Battle with the Blades - Amputees Blaze Track and Change Perception

Today we hear the journey of 4 athletes who offer insights and wisdom into why they want to bring awareness to Paralympic sport as they venture to Fort Smith Arkansas for the "Battle with the Blades." Their journeys are varied. They are the first to say that as athletes with disabilites they are not super human as some would suggest, but rather they are just athletes who want to showcase their talents and be equally recognized for their achievements as their counter parts who have no disability

Under the lights of the Jim Rowland Stadium, Southside High School, in Fort Smith, Arkansas these athletes took center stage as fans peered over the rails to get a glimpse of the blades and the athletes who wore them.

Five athletes came to compete with area high school athletes and bring awareness to adaptive sports as well as raise funds for a sports prosthesis to be given to an Arkansas child or aspiring athlete. The give-a-way blade was the result of the Never Say Never Foundation.

1. Nick Stilwell - President and co-founder of the Never Say Never Foundation which sponsors this event.

2. Richard Brown - Paralympian, Amputee Sprinter, World Record Holder in the 100m dash at 10.60.

3. Elexis Gillette - Paralympian, Blind, World Record Holder, Long Jump and Wesley Williams (Guide). 

4. Regas Woods - Paralympian, Double Leg Amputee, Vice President and Co-Founder of the Never Say Never Foundation.

About the host:

John Register, Paralympic Long Jump Silver Medalist | Inspirational Catalyst | Change Management Speaker | Author | Long Jump Record Holder | Gulf War Vet | Disability Rights Advocate | and 2 x TEDx Speaker.