Featured Grant Recipients
Liv
Angelo
Zach
Liv is the recipient of a grant in which funds will be used to fund expenses for adaptive surfing competition. As a world champion, Liv is on a mission to achieve sporting excellence and already has many medals and trophies to pave the way. In a competition jersey she feels strong. Confident. Able to accomplish anything. Liv has obviously found her place in this world— she radiates pure joy while mentoring others, pushing her limits and charging hard!
Zach
Angelo
Zach
Zach is a recipient of a grant to fund weekly therapeutic horseback riding designed to improve his balance and strength. Zach’s mom shared that he absolutely loves riding time with his horse, Pippen. Given increased stability and endurance when walking Zach plans to join his family on many adventures like, hiking, sledding, beach vacations, walks with his dogs and even visiting an amusement park, aquarium & petting zoo. The possibilities are limitless!
Angelo
Angelo
Angelo
Angelo is the recipient of a grant to embark on a transformative scuba diving journey in Cozumel. He earned his Open Water certification with Diveheart and demonstrated exceptional skills during ocean dives, showcasing a quick understanding of diving techniques and a passion for learning. During his dives, Angelo marveled at the diverse marine life, from stingrays and sharks to eels and turtles. Scuba diving provides Angelo with mental well-being and a sense of body equality underwater. Angelo shared: “I am grateful for the ability to complete one goal that I never thought was available to a disabled person, to become scuba certified. I love being an adaptive diver and part of the scuba community.”
Simon
Simon
Angelo
Simon is the recipient of a grant to fund the purchase of a beach wheelchair, equipped with pontoons that allow him to float effortlessly in the water, eliminating the need to be carried in and out. Simon's face lights up when he's floating in the lake, surrounded by his family, in the warmth of the summer sun. This wheelchair is also portable, opening up a world of possibilities for Simon and his family for years to come!
Tayla
Simon
Tayla
Tayla is the recipient of a grant that enabled her to participate in the Move United Track & Field National Championships. Despite limited adaptive sports opportunities nearby, Taylashe excelled in shot put, javelin and discus, as well as powerlifting bring home many multiple medals. Tayla shared: “My goal is to go to college for field events and I would love to go to the Paralympics for them as well. That’s why it’s SUPER important to me that I be able to compete at Nationals – so I can maintain the overall placing that I’m going to need to make my goals happen. To qualify for Nationals, you must compete at a qualifying meet and achieve minimum requirements. Because there are not many adaptive meets near us, it gets expensive for my parents to be able to take me to these meets and Nationals. Without the assistance of the Surfgimp Foundation this year, we wouldn’t have been able to get to Nationals. I want to thank the Foundation and all its supporters for helping me be able to pursue my goals and my athletic career.”
Ryan
Simon
Tayla
With the support of a Surfgimp Foundation grant, Ryan’s family purchased a chair that will not only allow him to enjoy the beach, but also provide access to pools and the ocean, opening a world of new experiences. Increased access to social engagement has significantly impacted Ryan’s well-being, taking him from a place of withdrawal to moments of pure joy and laughter! This summer Ryan had his first ride down to the ocean in his new chair and his smiles and excitement were contagious! He’s already looking forward to more adventures, including an upcoming family wedding on the beach.
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria is a recipient of a grant to help fund a custom kneeboard & travel for competitive surfing. Several years ago, while watching adaptive kneeling surfers do cutbacks, snaps, and get barreled, Victoria was inspired. It changed what she thought was even possible. She worked hard to advance her skills and in a short amount of time earned multiple consecutive world titles. Just last month Victoria won her final heat at the US Open in California and again defended the Women’s Kneel World Title. Victoria is fierce in the water & dedicated to her training. There is no doubt she will continue to elevate the sport as she raises the caliber of her surfing!
Ben
Victoria
Victoria
Ben is a recipient of a grant to fund a rugged all-terrain wheelchair and kayak like these so he can work towards his dream of fishing in all 50 states. Ben loves to fish, always trying to find access to the water. He lives an active lifestyle and enjoys pushing the limits of what he can do. The Spartan Chariot and fishing kayak give Ben freedom by allowing him to go off the beaten path and explore.
Louisa
Victoria
Louisa
Louisa is a recipient of a grant to fund travel for international professional wheelchair tennis tournaments. A competitive player prior to bilateral below knee amputations, she dreamed of being a professional tennis player. When the summer 2020 US Open featured wheelchair tennis matches she realized her dream was still possible. After working very hard to raise her skill level on the court, Louisa recently placed second in doubles and fifth in singles at her first professional tournament!
Nat
Bryson
Louisa
Nat is the recipient of a grant to fund lessons and equipment for archery. After their disability, the love for sports was reignited when Nat learned to shoot at summer camp. Every year Nat looked forward to going back and recently found a local gym that provides a variety of adaptive sports, including archery. Having a personal bow now allows Nat to practice on their own time and make adjustments to better suit their needs. Nat says the new long bow is much easier to shoot, especially with the custom release their coach made. Look at the target in the comments -- more than one bullseye!
Bryson
Bryson
Bryson
Bryson is the recipient of a grant to fund travel for participation in a sled hockey tournament. Bryson currently plays for the Cincinnati Ice Breakers travel team and has competed in several states. He was even introduced as a junior starter in front of over 19,000 fans during a Pittsburgh Penguins game and was given a jersey with his name on it! Bryson shared, “I have fun things in my life from sports. Sports helps me stay physically fit. It helps me leave my frustrations aside and focus on good things. Sports helps me become just one of the gang. I love working with the younger players new to my sled hockey team. I love being on teams, making new friends, and traveling for sports competitions.” It’s no wonder he has long-term plans to be a coach saying, “adaptive sports changed my life and I want to help other people do the same thing.”
Gia
Bryson
Bryson
Gia was the recipient of a grant to cover equipment & travel while representing the USA in the International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships this summer. After competing with Out Of Sight Dragons, a racing team of individuals who are blind and visually impaired, she exclaimed that “paddling for the first time at Nationals was awe-inspiring! Being around so many talented people appreciating a common passion showed how we can have unity amidst diversity and the current challenges of the global pandemic.”
Caeden
Caeden
Caeden
Caeden is the recipient of a grant in which funds were used to purchase a portable motorized scooter. Caeden thinks of it as a "transformer" like the characters in his favorite movie. Plus it is blue -- the only color he wants in his life according to his mother. Caeden has a love for living, a smile that lights up the room (we saw it first hand at the Winter Bash) and a dream for independence. With this scooter Caeden can explore the world a little more on his own!
Denise
Caeden
Caeden
Denise is the recipient of a grant in which funds will assist with travel expenses to compete in the International Surfing Association World Para Surfing Championships currently underway in California. Denise is proudly surfing for her country of Brazil! Not only has she excelled at her sport and gotten on the podium at regional and national championships in her country, but Denise is also a powerful environmental activist who is actively engaged in the movement to promote accessibility and adaptive sports.
Joel
Caeden
Hunter
Joel is the recipient of a grant to fund an all-terrain wheelchair that he can steer/drive when desired or someone else can push when he is tired. Joel is already feeling the freedom and going on adventures! As a kid with a fierce determination to live life to the fullest, Joel plans to explore the park, trails, playgrounds and of course the local beaches. Look out world — here he comes!
Hunter
Hunter
Hunter
Hunter is the recipient of a grant to cover lodging so he can compete in the 2021 AccessSurf Hawaii Adaptive Surf Championships since the event was cancelled this year. Last year he charged hard and earned 2nd place in the Assist divison and 3rd in the Juniors division! Wish Hunter well as he heads into surgery tomorrow and pushes through extensive recovery with the goal to get back in the water.
Devann
Hunter
Devann
Devann is the recipient of a grant to purchase an all-terrain GRIT Freedom Chair that will allow her to complete her first Spartan Trifecta (5K, 10K & Half Marathon). Devann has completed the Spartan Sprint 5K numerous times with her crutches, but she is looking forward to challenging herself and achieving her dream adventure! Added bonuses... Devann can also walk her pup safely and continue her quest to climb the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.
Mariah
Hunter
Devann
Mariah is the recipient of a grant to offset travel expenses when participating in half marathons with her family. Her ultimate goal is to compete in every state! Racing is always an adventure and makes her feel free. Mariah loves meeting people, talking about inclusion and hearing the cheers from the crowds!
Rick
Pirata
Meira
Rick is the recent recipient of a grant to help fund an all-terrain wheelchair and travel expenses to 3 national parks. He has a passion for the outdoors and fond memories of traveling to Arches National Park when he was young. Rick wants to share the same experiences with his kids and dreams of taking them to all of the national parks in the US!
Meira
Pirata
Meira
Meira is the recent recipient of a grant to fund training and travel for big wave surfing. Meira was honored to be invited to compete in a big wave contest and hopes to make this dream come true when conditions are favorable. Team Surfgimp members had the pleasure of supporting Meira in the water at the US Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in California last year. Seeing her skills and dedication to the sport first hand leaves no doubt she will charge hard!
Pirata
Pirata
Pirata
Pirata is the recent recipient of a grant to fund equipment expenses to compete in a Big Wave contest. Pirata is one of the most experienced athletes on the Brazilian national team. He recently secured his second world title in the Kneel category at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships, among many other podium finishes along the way!
Joao
Cecily
Pirata
João is the recent recipient of a grant to fund travel expenses to surf with his new waveski. He engages in regular physiotherapy and sessions at the gym to improve his physical strength. João is dedicated to chasing his dreams!
Kyle
Cecily
Cecily
Kyle is the recent recipient of a grant to fund a custom waveski and an electric adapter to assist with wheelchair mobility on the beach. Kyle surfed in Hawaii this winter and “snagged a pretty big one” as he described it...waiting to see if any records were broken that day! We wish Kyle a speedy recovery as he is currently recuperating from a shoulder injury. He is already setting goals for a strong return to the water and plans to return to competition as soon as possible.
Cecily
Cecily
Cecily
Cecily, recent grant recipient, used funds to attend summer camp in the mountains of Vermont with a one-on-one aid to help her access hiking, swimming, water sports, wildlife interactions, and other adventures. Since she relishes in the sensory exhilaration of water, wind, and fresh air, can you imagine her excitement? Cecily’s beaming smiles, delighted demeanor, and full belly laughter is testimony of how much fun she had this summer spending time outdoors and making new friends!
Parker
Parker
Parker
Parker is the recipient of a grant to compete in the Adaptive Surfing Championships in 2019 at Duke’s Oceanfest in Hawaii. He made it to the semi-finals in the prone assist division last time and dreams about surfing unassisted this year! He takes every opportunity available to advance his skill and compete. Parker is an ambassador for adaptive athletes and embracing the real stoke of life as witnessed by winning awards for his skill and character at competitions, mentoring new surfers and recruiting a peer from his adaptive sled hockey team to join him in the water. Parker has been on a therapy table his whole life but feels that the best therapy for him is “ocean therapy.”
Tom
Parker
Parker
Tom is the recipient of a grant to be used for private kite-boarding lessons. Some of the Surfgimp Foundation board members had the pleasure of spending time with Tom at a recent fundraiser and hearing all about his plans for the future. Tom is an accomplished racer, snow skier and water skier and now has dreams of kite boarding. Once he passes the hurdle of learning all the elements, he will undoubtedly rock this sport too!
Jamie
Parker
Jamie
Jamie is the recipient of a grant in which funds were used to travel for sled hockey tournaments. Jamie plays for her local team and “never lets her size or disability get in the way of fierce competition.” Her goal is to compete in the Paralympics one day. Jamie was recently named to the Women’s National Sled Hockey Team and continues to crush it during competitions, so she is well on her way!
Lisa
Jacob
Jamie
Lisa is a recent grant recipient to fund an electric off-road adaptive mountain bike. She has always loved being outdoors and the bike allows the freedom to explore on her own or with friends that are able bodied since she can hike or bike alongside them. To get others involved and grow the sport Lisa recently formed an adaptive mountain bike club and developed a database of trails in her area. She is excited to continue riding on trails she never thought were possible and train for the Adaptive Mountain Bike Championships. Given Lisa is a decorated Paralympic athlete with a competitive spirit, there is no doubt she will continue to push the boundaries of what she can do in the sport.
Jacob
Jacob
Jacob
Jacob is the recipient of a grant to be used for
supplemental travel and competition expenses for himself, and possibly team travel, to compete in the 2019 USA adaptive surfing competitive circuit . He is currently on the tail end of an amazing adventure competing and traveling all over Europe! You can follow along in all of his adventures on his YouTube page where he is showing the definition of limitless adventure!
Camp Abilities Deleware
Camp Abilities Deleware
Camp Abilities Deleware
Camp Abilities Delaware are the recent recipient of a grant to help fund their educational sports camp for children who are blind or have low vision. They empower children to be physically active, improve their overall health & wellness, encourage food choices that support an active lifestyle, and develop confidence & self-esteem through sport and physical activity. Camp Abilities Delaware started as a 2 day event before growing to a week long day camp. Now they have plans to expand services to include overnight camp and target additional skills such as independent living, orientation & mobility, vocational goals, and social skills, just to name a few!
Lily
Camp Abilities Deleware
Camp Abilities Deleware
Lilly is the recipient of a grant in which funds will be used to cover travel expenses to participate in snowboarding, surfing and horseback riding. Lilly always gives her best effort once she sets her mind to a goal. And she never lets obstacles keep her from chasing her dreams!.
Josh
Camp Abilities Deleware
Special Olympics Oregon
Josh is the recipient of a grant in which funds will be used to fund expenses while filming a documentary about adaptive surfing. After finding peace in the water and love from the community, Josh realized there were many amazing stories to be told. His included! Josh inspires people wherever he goes simply by being resilient and sharing his infectious spirit of gratitude.
Special Olympics Oregon
Special Olympics Oregon
Special Olympics Oregon
Special Olympics Oregon is the recipient of a grant to purchase helmets and fund equipment rental scholarships, allowing as many skiers and snowboarders as possible to get on the mountain. After receiving their helmets that morning, the ski team was very excited to put them to immediate use! Through the power of sports the Special Olympics Oregon athletes are discovering new strengths & abilities and finding joy & confidence on the slopes.
Lucas
Special Olympics Oregon
Lucas
Lucas was the recipient of a grant to purchase a jogging stroller and bike trailer so he can participate in outdoor adventures with family. As described by his mother, “Lucas’ eyes shine brightly and, as we zoom down bike paths, his laughter echoes throughout the woods. The grin never leaves Lucas’ face as he races his brother down the path.” Since the stroller is easy to transport in the family vehicle, Lucas also has plans for biking on his family vacations for years to come!
Molly Ann
Molly Ann
Molly Ann
Molly Ann is the recipient of a grant for an all-terrain wheelchair so she can explore the world with her family and friends. According to her mother, Molly Ann describes her new chair as “awesome!” It’s beach days and quality time with her dad exploring the woods. It’s smiles and laughter while making memories that will last a lifetime. Molly Ann is nothing short of spectacular and by having this chair allows her the childhood she deserves. Right now she sees no limitations and our goal as parents is to make sure she continues to see the world that way
Thank you Surfgimp Foundation for helping us give Molly Ann a childhood. Thank you for giving us hope....
Heather
Molly Ann
Molly Ann
Heather is the recipient of a grant to take 2 trips in 2019, driving from Kentucky to the coast, for adaptive surfing lessons. Heather is "better at the beach, and healed by the ocean." She began surfing for recreation in 2009 and recently started honing her skills for competition! Heather is confident that individualized training will help with acclimation to her new surfboard and recently changed physical capabilities. We were thrilled that Heather attended the Surfgimp Foundation winter fundraiser and shared her plans for her dream adventure!
Kevin
Molly Ann
Fellipe
Kevin is the recipient of a grant to purchase an adaptive bicycle. Surfgimp Foundation board member Adam Land had a chance to catch up with Kevin and hear about his plans for his new bike. Kevin loves movement of any sort and is looking forward to enjoying time on the accessible bike path in his hometown in New Hampshire.
Fellipe
Fellipe
Fellipe
Fellipe is a 3 time ISA World adaptive surfing champion from Brazil. He received a grant from Surfgimp Foundation this year to travel to the US Open of Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California where he defended his title in the Men's Wave Ski Division!
Brock
Fellipe
Brock
Brock is the recipient of a grant to compete in the 2nd Annual US Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California
Tyme
Fellipe
Brock
Surfgimp Charitable Foundation was pleased to award the first grant to Tyme on January 14, 2018 to purchase an all-terrain wheelchair that will fit in the back of her adapted van for easy transport. Now she can travel in ease with her family to the beach, through the woods and in the snow. As a self-proclaimed daredevil, Tyme has grand plans for her limitless adventures! Tyme was able to enjoy her family vacation to the Bahamas thanks to her new all-terrain chair with rolling travel bag. The generosity of our donors is already changing lives! When travel is possible the world gets a whole lot bigger...
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Surfgimp Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 82-3259873.
