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Baltimore Celebrates Paralympians, Champions Inclusion

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, March 1st 2026 at 19:00 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: Maryland, UNITED STATES

BALTIMORE, MD - March 1st, 2026 - A powerful gathering at Kennedy Krieger Institute on Saturday showcased the incredible journeys and unwavering spirit of several Baltimore-area Paralympians. The event, co-hosted with the Bennett Blazers, served not only as a celebration of Paralympic achievement but also as a vital platform to dismantle stigmas surrounding disability and promote inclusive sports opportunities.

Featured athletes, including those who proudly represented the United States on the world stage in Beijing and Paris, shared deeply personal accounts of overcoming adversity, embracing their abilities, and pursuing athletic excellence. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as attendees heard firsthand how these individuals transformed challenges into triumphs.

John Wentzell, Senior Vice President of Community and Government Relations at Kennedy Krieger, emphasized the profound impact of hearing these stories. "It's amazing to see the resilience of these athletes and the journeys they've taken to get to where they are," he said. "Their dedication, discipline, and positive outlook are truly remarkable, and we are honored to provide a space for them to share their experiences."

Courtney Frantz, a Paralympian in attendance, powerfully articulated the core message of the event. "It's important for people to know that disabilities don't define a person," she stated. "There are so many things you can still do and accomplish, and this is a way to show that." Frantz's words resonate with a growing movement focused on ability-based approaches to inclusion, shifting the narrative from focusing on limitations to celebrating potential.

Beyond Frantz, the event spotlighted the achievements of Danielle Scott, a dynamic force on the wheelchair basketball court, and Chelsey Miller, a track and field athlete who has consistently broken barriers in her discipline. Each athlete offered unique insights into the specific demands of their sports and the adaptive techniques they've mastered. Joe Maxwell, another Paralympian present, succinctly captured the collective ambition of the group: "We want to be role models and show young people that anything is possible."

The Growing Momentum of Adaptive Sports

The event highlighted a broader trend: the increasing visibility and accessibility of adaptive sports. Once relegated to the margins, Paralympic sports are gaining significant traction, driven by increased media coverage, dedicated funding initiatives, and a growing awareness of the benefits of physical activity for individuals of all abilities. Organizations like the Bennett Blazers are central to this growth.

The Bennett Blazers, a Baltimore-based non-profit, have long been dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports. Their programs encompass a wide range of activities, fostering both athletic skill development and crucial social connections. They provide coaching, equipment, and a supportive community, enabling athletes to reach their full potential.

Kennedy Krieger's Commitment to Inclusive Care

Kennedy Krieger Institute's involvement in the event reflects its long-standing commitment to serving children and young adults with developmental disabilities and injuries. The institute provides a comprehensive range of medical, educational, and rehabilitative services, often incorporating adaptive sports and recreational therapies into individualized treatment plans. The hospital recognizes the profound impact that physical activity can have on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Future

The success of Saturday's event underscores the need for continued investment in adaptive sports and inclusive programs. Advocates are calling for increased funding for Paralympic training, improved accessibility to sports facilities, and greater representation of athletes with disabilities in mainstream media. Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on early intervention and access to adaptive sports programs for children, fostering a lifelong love of physical activity and building confidence from a young age.

The Paralympians' stories served as a powerful reminder that disability is not a barrier to achievement. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit are an inspiration to all, and their presence in Baltimore is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone. The collaboration between Kennedy Krieger and the Bennett Blazers demonstrates a powerful model for community engagement and a commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to live full and active lives.