Dallas Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Water-Sports Picnic

This past weekend RISE held a water-sports picnic for the Dallas Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Team to kick off the season.  The kids were all very excited to started the basketball season, and there wasn’t a better way to do it!  Several of the Junior Mavericks have never been jetskiing, tubing, or kayaking before, so this was a great opportunity for them to try something new with an organization that had all the right equipment and manpower. Tubing was by far the highlight of the day.  At first, the kids were tenative because they had never done it before, but after the first round, you couldn’t keep them off of it. With each new round, the kids and their families wanted to go faster and faster, holding their thumbs up, screaming even louder with excitement, seeing just how far they could push the limit. Even the coaches got in on the tubing action! The day was filled with music, food, friends and a great time. Thank you RISE for helping the kids break some more barriers down in their life and giving them the confidence to try something new.  We all know that they will be talking about this day with their friends from school! The Junior Mavericks couldn’t ask for anything more! Thank you RISE for providing a great opportunity for the children and their family at no cost!

Michelle Torina

CLICK HERE to view more photos of the event.

Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Water Sports Picnic

On Saturday July 31st, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation sponsored a spinal cord peer mentor water sports picnic for peer mentors, patients, and family members.  The event was organized by RISE adventures and was held in Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine.   The activities that were offered for individuals with disabilities were water skiing, jet skiing, boat rides, tubing, swimming, sailing, kayaking, golfing, and hand cycling.  Over 100 volunteers, participants, and Baylor staff attended the event along with four Baylor patients.  In addition to the water activities, participants were able to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, and brisket as well as cold drinks to help beat the heat.  A free raffle was also held with Dallas Cowboys gear and backpacks as some of the prizes.  All participants received a t-shirt for attending the water sports event.  The event was a success showing appreciation for our amazing peer mentors.   CLICK HERE for more photos of the event.

Spina Bifida Water Sports Picnic was held Saturday, July 17th.

There are always way too many people to thank for their unconditional support. Without the financial support of C & R Medical Supplies & Lift-Aids and their personal involvement none of our free programs would be possible! It was over 100 degrees but the temperature did not dampen the spirits. The huge turnout of children with disabilities and family members enjoyed a full day of water skiing, jet skiing, water float rides, swimming, sailing, kayaking, golf, lawn games hand cycling, and lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. A huge “Thank You” also goes to Albert Estes/Scottish Rite Hospital, Spina Bifida Board and staff and the large number of Volunteers that endured a long hot day of fun in the sun!

CLICK HERE for more photos of the event.

REACH Water Sports Picnic, Saturday, June 26, 2010- Recap

TEAM RISE Staff, Sponsors, and Volunteers,

From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your effort, presenting the REACH Water Sports Picnic. Your heartfelt compassion and unconditional support were truly inspiring. This was one of the best days of RISE Adventures short existence. I have written this many times and it seems so weak but, THANK YOU!! Read the rest of this entry »

The Adventure Scuba 3rd Annual Golf Classic is Monday, September 13, 2010!

RISE adds more contests and prizes! Hole In One Grand Prize, New Harley-Davidson sponsored by Harley Davidson of Dallas Texas!  Hole In One prizes for other Par 3 holes;  Sharp LCD Flatscreen TV, Set of Callaway Big Bertha Irons, Free RT Domestic Airfare for 2. Other contests: Closest to Pin, Longest Drive, Raffles, Silent Auction, and more.

RISE is proud to announce updated celebrity golfer’s in attendance!

Stephen Fangio, One legged PGA card holder golfer and inspirational speaker out of Phoenix, Arizona! A film crew will be on hand shooting footage for a documentary. To learn more about Stephen visit www.fangiogolf.com.

Join former Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Players Benji Gil and Jose Guzman as they host RISE Adventures first major fundraiser! The Adventure Scuba 3^rd Annual Golf Classic is Monday, September 13, 2010.

RISE Adventures is the beneficiary of all funds raised!

Become a Gold Sponsor and golf with one of our local sports celebrities scheduled to play;  Benji Gil (MLB)   Jose Guzman (MLB)  Chris Mahalik (MLB)   Jeff Frye (MLB)   Jeff Gossett (NFL/MLB)   Mike Phillips (MLB)   Mike Simms (MLB)       Rick Hill (MLB/Pro golfer)

Sponsors, Corporations, Donors, and Golfers CLICK HERE for numerous opportunities.  Click on this link to Pay via Paypal

Contact Carly Gil at cgil@riseadventures.org, 817-380-4355 or Julie Saeger at jsaeger@riseadventures.org, 817-789-8463.

CLICK HERE for a printable flyer.

Main Street Days Grapevine, May 21-23rd, Fun in the Sun!

Special Thanks goes to Portable Events for providing the awesome stage presentation. Check out this awesome set up at www.portableevents.com and tell Michael RISE sent you. Thanks to our other sponsors for their participation all weekend long; City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department, C & R Medical Supplies, Lift-Aids, Pickles Custom Golf, and Adventure Scuba. RISE Staff and Volunteers endured the event demonstrating adaptive equipment and enjoying the festival.  CLICK HERE to see more photos of the event.

TEAM RISE participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in Dallas on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Dressed in green and RISE apparel, RISE Adventures participants pushed, pedaled, walked, and road on the float pulled by the magic bus down the road of the St. Patrick’s parade in Dallas.  The streets were packed with thousands of festive party goers and spectators on a beautiful Saturday morning.  Everyone was draped with colorful beads and bright smiles.  Team RISE quad rugby players bashed it up for the crowd and they would yell “do it again!” every time.  It was a blast, I couldn’t believe how enthusiastic the crowd was, we felt like rock stars!

The RISE Adventures bus pulled a float decorated and sponsored by Dallas Home Renovations while  RISE volunteers and participants threw candy, beads and t-shirts to the cheering crowd.  The 31st annual event on Greenville Avenue drew about 80,000, according to the Dallas Morning News. This was a great event and everyone had a blast, if you missed out be sure to attend next year.  CLICK HERE to see more photos of the parade.  CLICK HERE to see the blog on the Dallas Morning News.

RISE First Annual Gala a Huge Success!

I want to personally thank each and every one of you that attended the November 14^th event held at Dave and Busters. The evening started off with a Social Hour listening to McKenzie Seaux performing live on stage. McKenzie just turned 12 years old and entertained with stories on her song writing skills followed by a great rendition of her music by this very talented young lady. The Matekis followed with an assortment of country and folk music that kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. These artists believe in the RISE mission and also performed at our sixth annual End of Summer Bash back in September. Mike Peters Video Presentation of this year’s program pictures was a nice backdrop to the live entertainment. The Mexican buffet line was always busy. The pool and shuffle board tables stayed active as the player’s competitive energy and enthusiasm showed. The camaraderie between attendees exemplified the evening.

Read the rest of this entry »

RISE End of Summer Bash V Smashes Attendance Record!

This year’s attendance more than doubled last years with 918 total persons in attendance; Disabilities 237, Family Members 344, Volunteers  220, and Vendors/Sponsors 117.  Thanks to everyone that attended and supported this year’s event. We would like to ask everyone to send us your stories, pictures, and comments about the event. We are also open to any constructive criticism to make improvements. Send pictures to slarimore@riseadventures.org.  Comments can be made online click here. To view the pictures already posted click here.

RISE End of Summer Bash V is Saturday, September 26th from 9am–3pm Meadowmere Park, Grapevine, Texas. “Preregistration Ended… Even if you didn’t preregister all participants are allowed entry free of charge.”

This event provides a variety of outdoor leisure activities for those in the community of all ages with physical disabilities and their families. Activities: Water Skiing, Scuba, Jet Skis, Sailing, Kayaking, Swimming, Fishing,Disability Golf, Camping, Horseback Riding, Hand Cycling, Quad Rugby, Sled Hockey, Disc Golf, Basketball, Archery, Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Remote Control Sailboats, Children’s Playground, Petting Zoo, Wood Carving, WW II Amphibious Boat Rides, Silent Auction and much more…

CLICK HERE for a list of all the ESOB activities.

Free food and drinks under the AMBUC’s Food Court big tent. Special Live Performances by JB Clark, and the Oak Lawn Symphonic & Marching Band. Free Drawing for merchandise and gift-cards.

Visit these Sponsor Booths: Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services, Easter Seals, REACH, Canine Companions, Spina Bifida Association of North Texas and Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans of America.

We appreciate the support of: Tom Wishon Golf, Enable, Adventure Scuba, White Bridal Horse Therapy, Pickles Custom Golf, Saildallas.com, Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports, Dallas Home Renovations, John Horn’s Woodturning, Awards to Go, Duck Riders, Infinity Air, CIB Group, Backwoods, North Texas Kids, Cross Timbers Winery, Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth and Les Yacht Club.

CLICK HERE for map.

RISE Airplane Rides, Saturday, October 10, 2009, Dallas Love Field Airport, 9am–1pm. SIGN UP NOW!

RISE is collaborating with Challenge Air to provide FREE 30 minute airplane rides. Any child or youth living with a physical disability or life-threatening illness may pre-register for the program by clicking here. Each disability can also take two friends or family on the flight. Make sure you tell them RISE sent you! Reservations are required online at challengeair.com. Here is a list of qualifying examples: Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism, Cancer, Leukemia, Sight/Hearing Impaired, and others.

To register go to www.challengeair.org or Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org.

RISE is on Television, again!

Irving Community Television (ICTN) covered TEAM RISE versus the Dallas Harlequins able bodied rugby game. Parkscape is shown on local cable. This is great video

Main Street Days in Grapevine was lots of fun despite the weather

RISE had a great booth and signed up numerous physically challenged persons that now participate in programs. Thanks to RISE Title Sponsors, Connie Stauffer/Lift-Aids and Randy Smith/C&R Medical, Gary Pickle/RISE Golf Director, Rick Brauer/RISE Sailing Director, and Joel “Peanut” Hendrix, RISE Equipment Manager. A Special Thanks goes out to our great friends at the City of Grapevine Parks Department, Chris and Randy!

»» Click here for more pictures!

ESOB 5 Activities

ESOB 5 Activities

1- Event Registration and Information

All persons entering the event site must register and receive an arm band. This is also the information as well as lost and found booth.

2- Medical Station provided by the City of Grapevine

If you need medical assistance request it from a RISE Staff Member.

3- Animated Party Animal Balloons

See these awesome balloons provided by Infinity Air Promotions.

4- Texas Department of Assisted Living and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Visit with their staff and pick up information about the services they provide. Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight on RISE Collaboration with the Scottish Rite Hospital (SRH)

RISE was very busy with our great friends at SRH this past month. RISE attended PALS meetings, the SRH Bike Rodeo and Child Safety Day, Scottish Rite to Play in conjunction with Get Kidz Fit 2009 at the Dallas Fair Park Centennial Building, and SRH Rite 2 Play.

Paralympic Coach James Gumbert Rugby Clinic huge success

Paralympics Gold Medal Coach and Commissioner of the United States Quad Rugby Association, James Gumbert, held a two day rugby clinic thanks to the support of Doug Garner, Disability Sports Director, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) on May 9-10^th, 2009.  UTA hosted the two day event. The clinic instructed rookie, experienced players, TEAM USA Players, as well as local college students on the intricacies  and skills needed to play the game of quad rugby. There were over 20 participants that left knowing they had learned from the best. Special thanks to James Gumbert, Doug Garner, C & R Medical, and LIFT-Aids for making this all possible. RISE is honored to be associated with these great folks that truly care about bringing disability sports and the learning experience to the Metroplex.

»» More Quad Rugby Clinic Pictures

RISE Collaboration/Third Annual Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR) Hand Cycle Clinic

RISE is collaborating with Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR) Hand Cycle Clinic, Saturday, May 16^th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Bishop Lynch High School, contact Lea Stewart and let her know you are coming, (214) 820-9578 or LeaS@BaylorHealth.edu.

Event Flyer (pdf)
Event Map (pdf)

Team USA Quad Rugby Clinic

May 9th & 10th- Paralympic Coach and new commissioner of the United States Quad Rugby Association, James Gumbert, better known as Coach Gumbie, is holding a two day Quad Rugby Clinic at The University of Texas at Arlington UTA Physical Education Building, Greek Row and Nedderman, 801 W. Greek Row, Arlington, TX 76019-0260. This two day activity is only for quadriplegics to learn and play the game of rugby.

Space and equipment are limited so make your reservations now by contacting Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org of 469-762.5075.

Schedule
Saturday
9am – 12pm Gym
12pm – 2pm Lunch and Classroom
2:30 – 5pm Games

Sunday
10am – 3pm Exhibition games and Texas vs Dallas
3pm Home

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Scottish Rite to Play in conjunction with Get Kidz Fit 2009

Event is this Saturday, April 25th, at the Dallas Fair Park Centennial Building from 1:00-4:00pm, admission is free. RISE Adventures will have a display of equipment as well as information about our kids programs. Gary Pickle will be demonstrating disability golf.

Click here for event flyer.

RISE Fishing with Andy & Addison Children’s Fish Derby

Contact Steve Carlson @ scarlson@riseadventures.org or 214.808.1065 to make reservations for the numerous pontoon fishing dates on Lake Ray Hubbard.

The Addison Fish Derby for Children
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009 – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
All youth welcome. Behany Lakes Park, Addison, Texas.

Here fishy, fishy! The entire family will enjoy this event. Prizes will be given for the largest fish caught per age group and the largest fish caught overall. Enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes, and give your child the opportunity to have a fish story that they can tell for years to come.