Morph Wheels, the first-ever foldable wheelchair wheel designed to make travel exponentially easier for manual wheelchair users, has just launched and invites the community come to experience the groundbreaking innovation in-person. On Monday, June 10th, from 3-6pm, SpoFit will be hosting a Morph Wheels demonstration. In addition, there will be Morph Wheels giveaways, gift bags, as well as an opportunity to meet and have your picture taken with Wheelchair Bodybuilding Champion, Nick Scott. The event is free, so come check out this amazing technology!

About Morph Wheels

The folding wheel was originally conceptualized as a folding bicycle wheel by Duncan Fitzsimmons when he was a graduate student at the Royal College of Arts in London. After receiving public attention and calls from the wheelchair community telling him that this concept would be invaluable to wheelchair users, he redesigned it as a wheelchair wheel. Maddak further developed the wheel after careful consultation with the community, and are happy to introduce MORPH™ Wheels–the world’s first ever foldable wheelchair wheel.
Launched in February of 2013, Morph Wheels have already been honored with two leading industry awards: MedTrade Spring’s Innovation Award and 2013 Design of the Year Award in the Transportation category from London’s Design Museum.

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PHOENIX, AZ—May 19, 2013 – Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) and the Virginia G. Piper  Sports & Fitness Center (SpoFit) are proud to welcome Meghan E. Fable as the Director of Development.  SpoFit is located at the Disability Empowerment Center at 5031 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

“We are very excited to have Meghan join us at ABIL and SpoFit. We know there is plenty of potential for SpoFit to provide more opportunities for those we serve in our community.  I’m confident she can play a major role in our progress.”  said ABIL President and CEO Phil Pangrazio.

SpoFit is a brand new facility in central Phoenix.  The center provides sports, fitness and recreational activities for people with disabilities and their families.  SpoFit recently became a Paralympic Sports Club and is host to numerous national adaptive sports events each year.

Meghan Fable has over 15 years of experience in all aspects of public relations,  event planning, community relations and non-profit fundraising.  As a consultant for the past 11 years, Meghan has provided a variety of services to her clients including Longbow Golf Club, Dover Industrial Park, Marketplace on Meadow Drive in Vail, Colorado and the luxury residential development, One Willow Bridge Road in Vail, Colorado.  During this time, she was also a freelance writer and reporter for Paradise Magazine, a luxury lifestyle magazine.

Meghan began her public relations career at BJC, a top-ranked Valley public relations agency.  Meghan was a team leader and during her time worked on various clients including The Countrywide Tradition, Desert Mountain Properties, DMB/DC Ranch, Circle K, Arizona Mills, College Goal Sunday and many others.  Meghan provided such services as media relations, media training, crisis communications, event planning and community relations for her clients.

“I have always had a passion for giving back to our community.  I have had the privilege of serving on many boards, committees and chairing major fundraising events in the Valley.  This opportunity presents me with a unique chance to merge my professional and volunteer experiences into this new role,” Fable said.

In addition to her professional experience, Meghan has significant volunteer leadership experience.  She is a board member of PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers), the Phoenix Women’s Board for the Steele Children’s Research Center. She chaired the annual PANDA Luncheon and Fashion Show in 2011 which raised $475,000 for NICU studies. She has been a board member since 2004.  Meghan was also just selected to serve on the notMYkid Women’s Advisory Board.  She was a Girl Scout Troop leader for five years, member and founder of the Fore Noah Charity Golf Tournament for Neuroblastoma, a past Arizona Humane Society Compassion with Fashion Raffle Co-Chair, past Junior League of Phoenix member and Gift Mart Co-Chair and past APT President at Cherokee Elementary School in the Scottsdale Unified School District.  Meghan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona.

SpoFit Manager Amber Blanchard  welcomes the arrival of someone to assist in making Spofit a premiere facility.  “We’ve come a long way in our first year. But we all know that so much more can be accomplished if we continue to add talented people to the team.  Meghan’s background and her ideas for the future are the perfect fit.  It’s going to be exciting to take everything to a new level.”

For more information about SpoFit please visit  www.spofit.org.

About SpoFit and the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

The Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center (SpoFit) opened in 2011 and is one of only two centers specifically designed to host sports, fitness, and recreational activities for people with disabilities in the U.S.  SpoFit is a program of Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), the largest independent living center in Arizona.

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The MaxInMotion® foundation was established in 2011 to honor a very special and promising young athlete, Max Shacknai, who lost his life tragically earlier that year. Max embodied all of the characteristics sought in young athletes and had a great passion for all sports and team participation.

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LOCATION:

Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities (SpoFit)

5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

DATES/TIMES:

Saturday, June 8, 2013

9am – 9:45am Check in

9:45am – 10am Introductions & Demos

10am – 12pm Youth Wheelchair Basketball Clinic on West Court

10am – 12pm Youth Power Soccer Clinic on East Court

10:30am – 11:30pm Rock Wall Open

12pm – 1pm Lunch

12:30pm – 1:30pm Rock Wall Open

1pm – 2pm Youth Wheelchair Basketball Clinic continued

1pm – 2pm Youth Power Soccer Clinic continued

ATTENDANCE:   10 – 50 participants

EVENT MISSION:  To introduce youth to adaptive sports, allow them to try out specialty wheelchairs and equipment used in competition, and meet other youth who have similar disabilities.             

ATTENDEE DEMOGRAPHICS:  Youth ages 6-18 with a variety of abilities.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: MaxInMotion and SpoFit are teaming up to host a series of youth adaptive sports clinics during the summer of 2013. There will be opportunities for youth to try out wheelchair basketball and power soccer.

ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS:            

•Free Admission

•Youth Adaptive Sports Skills Clinics featuring Power Soccer & Wheelchair Basketball

•Try out specialty wheelchairs and equipment used in competition

•Appearances by the Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns & ASU Sun Devils Power Soccer players

•Free Lunch

•Team Participation

We would also like to thank the following program partners for making these clinics possible:
Arizona Disabled Sports
Banner Wheelchair Suns
Power Soccer Shop.com

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Contact: Loren Worthington, ABIL/SpoFit Communications & Marketing Manager
Phone: 602-386-4278
Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

May 13, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join us June 1st for the first Saluting Service Open House and Resource Fair hosted by the Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center (SpoFit). The afternoon event is intended to say ‘thank you’ to all the men and women, and their families, who have served and protected this country. In addition, the event will bring together veterans with organizations and businesses that can provide resources to benefit them as they transition away from active duty.

SpoFit is a new sports and fitness center in Phoenix, Arizona. The facility incorporates a universal design that increases access and independence for people recovering from new injuries and adapting to permanent disabilities. The facility is only the second of its type in the country. SpoFit recently became a U.S. Paralympic Sport Club, offering such activities as triathlon training, biathlon training and other adaptive sports.

SpoFit manager, Amber Blanchard, initiated the Saluting Service event. “We take great pride in offering all veterans a scholarship that allows them to utilize the facility for free. Having met so many of the men and woman who have come through SpoFit, we wanted to host an event that will open up more opportunities for them in the future. We also wanted to put on a celebration that lets them know that so many of us appreciate their sacrifice.”

The afternoon event starts at 3pm and is expected to draw up to 500 people. There will be numerous demonstrations of adaptive sports, such as wheelchair basketball and rugby.

Everyone is welcome to try the indoor rock wall and enjoy the outdoor pools. A photo studio will be set up for veterans and their families to pose for images they can include with job applications and resumes. Other booths will have information regarding benefits, employment, training and recreation. Veterans will have an opportunity to win $1,000 courtesy of Gorilla Capital and country music tickets from partner KMLE-FM. Food and entertainment will be provided.

Navy Rear Admiral Bill Putnam (retired), a friend of SpoFit will be in attendance to welcome guests. “Within our city lies the most fascinating architectural marvel – the Virginia G Piper Sports & Fitness Center, or SpoFit as it is lovingly called. How it came about is a grand story in itself, but the true beauty of the facility lies in the miracles that occur every day within its walls. Every day, wonderful people set about to meet challenges each was given through disparate ways. Built to serve all our citizens, the SpoFit is focusing on our great men and women in uniform on June 1, with an event intended to raise awareness of the opportunities it offers for our disabled veterans and to thank them for their service. On June 1, East Washington Street is the street of heroes. Come join us!

Saluting Service is sponsored by VMI Mobility Center, USAA, Hanger Clinics, Gorilla Capital and many other generous donors. For more information, visit www.spofit.org or call 602-386-4566.

About SpoFit

The Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center (SpoFit) opened in 2011 and is one of only two centers specifically designed to host sports, fitness, and recreational activities for people with disabilities in the U.S. SpoFit is a program of Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), the largest independent living center in Arizona.

SpoFit is located at 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034.

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Many of the children who attended the clinic had never played sports until that day, so it was a thrill seeing their faces as they wheeled up and down the floor while learning the games. David Garcia, a member of the Banner Wheelchair Suns Basketball Team, helped coach the clinic on Saturday. “I had a ton of fun, and so did my kids,” said Garcia, “I’m looking forward to the one!”

Power Soccer participant Roman Gardner had never seen the sport until coming to the clinic, but he looked very natural on the court. As the day wrapped up, we asked how he felt afterwards and he exclaimed, “My favorite part of the day was scoring goals!” In addition to learning the basics of Power Soccer, Gardner was able to try out the rock wall on his first visit that day, too. His parents were excited about all the opportunities SpoFit has to offer and cannot wait to come back for more.

The MaxInMotion® foundation and SpoFit have teamed up to host a series of these Adaptive Sports Clinics this summer. Playing sports is an important part of growing up and MaxInMotion® and SpoFit believe that everyone should get to play, regardless of ability. To register for the next FREE MaxInMotion® Youth Adaptive Sports Clinics on June 8th, please visit MaxInMotion® clinics page.

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On April 20, SpoFit members and staff went to Joshua Tree National Park in California for an Adaptive Climbing Clinic through Athletes with Disabilities Network. SpoFit’s Recreational Therapist Coordinator, Jessica Amato and volunteer/member, Mike Benge, volunteered their time to accompany SpoFit members to the event, offering guidance & support. Both Jessica and Mike also helped to belay many of the other participants throughout the day.

All the members were introduced to indoor climbing on SpoFit’s 35-foot indoor rock wall and have since mastered their skills, making it easier to transition to the outdoors. Members Dan Fulton, Tim Hults, and Kevin Messner were all given the opportunity to take everything they learned indoors and test themselves on Joshua Tree’s natural rock.

Fulton was introduced to climbing at SpoFit over a year ago and has continued to climb weekly, improving his technique, building his endurance, and boosting his confidence. This was Dan’s first outdoor climb, but he looked very natural and comfortable. When asked about the experience, Jessica Amato said, “It was such an honor to watch these guys climb outdoors after all their time spent on the SpoFit wall. Some even looked stronger on the rock then they do on the indoor wall. It was a great experience for us all, a great way to spend a Saturday!”

If you have ever wanted to try rock climbing, or are looking for an alternative during the hot summer months, SpoFit offers a class every Wednesday and Saturday. For more information, check out our weekly class schedule.

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Enjoy the summer with SpoFit’s fun integrated kids camp! Children will be able to participate in social recreation games, adaptive sports, rock climbing, yoga, karate, dance, pool activities and much more! Activities are available for children of all ages & abilities, as well as siblings & peers.

Camps are held in two-week sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from noon – 2pm. Below are the dates for the 2013 sessions:

June 4– June 13
June 18- June 27
July 9– July 18
July 23– Aug 1
Aug 6-Aug 15

Fee:
$120 per 2 week session
25% Off for SpoFit Monthly & Annual Members
(scholarships available)

Registration is required at least 1 week before each session
To register, click here

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Prom night is an important moment for many teens. Working with Dancers and Health Together, SpoFit is hosting a prom on May 24th. Students will be encouraged to create beach-themed arts and crafts in the classroom, and bring them to transform SpoFit into a tropical paradise! There will be music and lots of dancing, as well as a photo booth, snacks and refreshments, and other fun activities! Although the night is mainly for juniors and seniors within the special education system, this prom is open to all youth and families. In addition, anyone looking for a dress can contact Azteca Bridal and receive a 15% discount! Just ask for Royna and mention the SpoFit prom! Come join us on Friday, May 24th for what will surely be a memorable time!

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Job Description

Job Description: Perform professional reception and registration services, providing outstanding customer service to SpoFit members. Provide a wide range of clerical support to staff. Assist Membership Coordinator in front desk operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet customers, direct them to activities, and address their questions.

• Operate multi-line telephone system, providing information and/or directing calls to the appropriate person.

• Dispense accurate and current information to SpoFit members about programs and services.

• Actively promote facility and programs to members and potential members.

• Register customers for a wide variety of programs and passes, using a specialized software registration system.

• Serve as cashier, receiving and entering all fees and transactions and balancing daily reports.

• Perform clerical duties including, but not limited to, word processing, data entry, photocopying, and filing.

• Assist Program Coordinators by preparing program information and providing enrollment information from computerized registration system.

• Assist with a variety of administrative functions including, but not limited to, producing flyers, maintaining concession inventory, and assisting with facility rentals.

• Maintain organization, appearance and crowd control of lobby and reception work area.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Hours: Work schedule requires a great deal of flexibility and is dependent upon facility needs and may include early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Please only apply if you can fulfill the time requirements.

Supervisory Responsibility:   N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Strong knowledge of reception, cashiering and general office practices and procedures. Skilled in the use of computers and multiple-line phone system. Excellent verbal communication and organizational skills, competent writing skills, and basic math skills. Outstanding public relations, customer service, and problem solving skills. Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks, frequent interruptions, and a wide range of personalities and situations in a pleasant manner. Exceptional ability to work cooperatively with others and create a positive relationship with staff and the SpoFit members.  Social media and marketing experience is preferred.

Qualifications: High school graduation or equivalency – college degree in recreation or similar field preferred; two years cashier, receptionist or general office experience with extensive public contact; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the above-described duties. Applicant must have at least one year of experience working with people with disabilities.

Clean criminal background required.

Working Conditions: Pressures and stress of the position include dealing with crisis situations, meeting deadlines and supporting a wide variety of participant and staff needs. Work is performed in a highly visible, busy environment, with a large volume of public contact and disruptions.

ABIL is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce and sustaining a work environment that is inclusive.  Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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