SpoFit to host Saluting Service: an Open House and Resource Fair for Veterans
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Contact: Loren Worthington, ABIL/SpoFit Communications & Marketing Manager
Phone: 602-386-4278
Email: lorenw@abil.org
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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