Established in 2009, Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN) was formed by combining Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (est 1999) and Extremity Events Network (est 2007). ADN’s mission is to promote a better quality of life by creating opportunities for people with physical disabilities.
“There’s No Replacement for the Competitive Spirit”
The Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame has recognized nearly 100 individuals who share a passion for life and a dedication to inspire others through their words, actions and giving back to the community. The Hall of Fame represents a unique opportunity for athletes with disabilities to be enshrined for their athletic accomplishments, as well as community leaders for their work with persons with disabilities. Honorees are not only a “Who’s Who” in their sports, but are role models for the next generation of young people with disabilities, and their awe-inspiring stories bring much-needed awareness to the general public. In 2014, the top male and female Athlete of the Year awards went to:
Lex Gillette, the current world record holder in the long jump, a three-time Paralympic medalist, the reigning world champion in the long jump, a 15-time national champion and the only totally blind athlete in the world to eclipse the 22-foot barrier in the long jump.