adaptive action sports

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AAS Athletes Throw Down at Summer X Games

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), a California based non-profit organization, teamed up with ESPN and was supported by The Extremity Events Network and the Fillippis Foundation, to bring two new sports to the Summer X Games 14 line up; Adaptive Moto X Finals and Adaptive Skateboard Superpark. On Friday Aug. 1st 2008 both events made their depute at the Home Depot Center in L.A and went off without a hitch. The athletes were firing on all cylinders and put on an incredible show.

The Adaptive Skateboard Superpark Jam featured five adaptive riders including Evan Strong, Aaron Fotheringham, Rob Nelson, Oscar Loreto and Mike Rodgers. Although the skateboard session was not being judged all of the riders pushed themselves to new limits in front of the entire Home Depot Center.

Mike Rodgers, a cancer survivor now living with only one eye and founder of the Grind for Life Foundation, defies the odds and gravity in Superpark going completely upside down in the “clamshell” feature. Evan Strong, a single below knee amputee, destroyed the park by pulling off a bowl to bowl transfer on the vert wall while Oscar Loreto, also a single below knee amputee, brought his street skills to the park by pulling of a huge ollie to fakie.

Rob Nelsons’ speed is unmatched in the Superpark regardless of his right arm being completely paralyzed from a motorcycle accident. Rob dazzled onlookers with his old school style and bag of tricks. Aaron Fotheringham was the only rider in a wheelchair and completely awed the crowd with his daring. Aaron made dropping into a 20 vert wall and wheelchair hand-plants look easy.

Adaptive Moto X Finals

The Adaptive Super Moto X Finals was equally as exciting. This fast paced race for X Games Gold featured 9 riders with varying disabilities including an arm amputation, leg amputations and paralysis.

On Fri. the 1st 2008 Chris Ridgway, Ricky James, Shane Tacker, Joey Abbott, Jimmy King, Nick Pappas, Drew Lacko, Benoit Pauwels and Ranel Cox Jr. all lined up on the start line of the Super Moto X course to have it out for the hole shot.

Chris Ridgway came away with the win off the gates and dominated the course for the entire race winning himself a gold medal in the first ever Adaptive Moto X Race at Summer X Games 14. Chris a single below knee amputee said of the race “It was an incredibly challenging course and one of the most memorable times of my life.”

Ricky James, a T-6/7 Paraplegic, came away with second place and the silver medal. Ricky is a pioneer of adaptive riding for paraplegic athletes. He races on a  modified bike that he designed allowing any willing “para” athlete to go from their wheel chair to the track. Several other riders rode on Ricky’s truly life changing set up while at Summer X.

Joey Abbott, single below knee amputee, rode the race of his life pulling of a third place win. It was a perfect day at Summer X 14! Thanks to all who participated!

Adaptive Action Sports would like to say a special thanks to our sponsors that helped to make the X Games possible; Extremity Games, Fillippis Foundation, Bustin Boards, Studio 21, C4 Design Studio, Fracture Clothing Company, Gypsy Skate and Okoto Apparel.

AAS would also like to thank the many volunteers and staff that came out to support the event without whom we would not have had such great success. Thank you Stephanie Wallace, Chris Koeppe, Eric Robinson, Ian Rhuter, Danielle Burt, Bustin/Okoto Crew and to the Studio 21 Duo!

About Adaptive Action Sports:
Adaptive Action Sports has paved the way for adaptive athletes across the globe, helping them to achieve their goals in Snowboarding, Freestyle Skiing, Skateboarding, Wakeboarding, Moto X, BMX, Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing. In order to continue putting together unique programs and bringing such opportunities like Summer X 14 AAS needs your help.

AAS is a charitable non-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals and sponsorships. To learn more about the AAS mission, its incredible athletes and how you can help, please visit www.adacs.org or www.myspace.com/adaptiveactionsports. For sponsorship or media inquiries, contact AAS at info@adacs.org or 619-770 0240.

Please visit the Adaptive MotoX and Skateboard Jam Sponsors!

Press Release

• August 12 2008 | 244 views | 3 comments

• News

First-Ever Adaptive Snowboarding World Championships For Physically Disabled

The first-ever Adaptive Snowboarding World Championships were held this year, with the help of sponsors AAS, USASA and the World Snowboard Federation (WSF).

Press Release

• April 22 2008 | 447 views