North Gwinnett News

The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. (AAASP) has recognized two educators from Gwinnett County Public Schools for their contributions to adapted sports. Retired Athletic and Activities Director Ed Shaddix received the Eli Wolff Award for Advocacy, while Oakland Meadow School Coach Len Boudreaux was named Junior Varsity Coach of The Year. These honors were presented at the AAASP's Fifth Annual Adapted Sports Programs in Recreation and Education (ASPIRE) Awards Celebration.

Mr. Shaddix and Mr. Boudreaux were part of a group of 43 individuals and organizations acknowledged for their support of student-athletes with physical disabilities. The event was hosted by actor Patrick Cusick and Aaron Golub, the first legally blind Division I Athlete representing Tulane University.

Coach Boudreaux, who works with the Gwinnett HEAT, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for physically impaired students to engage in athletics. "I'm grateful for the recognition, as well as the opportunity to coach the HEAT," he stated. "Our athletes inspire me, and I'm incredibly proud of their accomplishments over the years. I hope the award brings some extra attention to our team and our athletes because they're the real stars."

The ASPIRE Award highlights significant contributions by individuals and organizations that promote adapted sports programming nationwide. These programs offer student-athletes with physical disabilities various benefits, including personal empowerment through competitive athletics.

The AAASP is based in Atlanta and focuses on developing interscholastic-adapted sports programs in collaboration with educational agencies at different levels. It has established one of the most comprehensive school-based athletic programs for students with physical disabilities across elementary, middle, and high schools.