Resiliency In Action at the 2024 Boundless Freedom Veterans Adventure Weekend

July 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adaptive Sports Connection hosts three days of outdoor experiences, fellowship and healing in support of veterans

COLUMBUS, Ohio: July 10, 2024 – Veterans and their families from across the country will gather in Columbus for Adaptive Sports Connection’s (ASC) 2024 Boundless Freedom Veterans Adventure Weekend, July 19 – 21. This epic event is designed to improve the health and well-being of veterans of all abilities through thought-provoking conversations and exhilarating outdoor experiences. Now in its fourth year, Boundless Freedom weekend is open to veterans and their families at no charge in partnership with Team Red, White and Blue and Wounded Warrior Project.

“Sports and physical activity enhances the well-being of veterans who have experienced trauma from combat,” said Sharon Bucey, president and CEO, ASC. “Through the power of sports, our mission is to help these heroes find a social connection with a community that understands what they have gone through.”

Studies show that physical exertion and movement:

  • Reduces the symptoms of PTSD
  • Increases determination and inner strength
  • Helps with identity and self-concept
  • Provides a sense of accomplishment
  • Contributes to social well-being
  • Enhances motivation for living

This activity-packed weekend kicks off on Friday, July 19 with a community conversation on resiliency from business, community and veteran leaders at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. The evening’s keynote speaker is Shane Jernigan, retired U.S. Army Ranger, para-triathlete, and CEO of Spectralite Technologies Group. Guest panelists include:

  • Tony Anzic, Executive Director, Location Manager JP Morgan Chase & Co.; U.S. Navy Veteran; U.S. Navy Community Ambassador Ohio
  • Kevin S. Johnson, Chief Information Officer, Wright-Patt Credit Union; U.S. Air Force Veteran Ambassador PreVeteran
  • Clarence Mingo, Vice-President-Corporate Affairs & ESG and Government Relations, T. Marzetti Company; U.S. Army Veteran
  • A-Jay Orr, PMP, U.S. Army Veteran; CEO Simple Plan IT; Executive Director, Ohio Veterans Collaborative
  • Cindy Parsons, Spokesperson, Warrior Speak for Wounded Warrior Project, mother of U.S. Army Veteran injured in combat
  • Jason Souza, MD, Founder of the Military Medicine Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Director of Ohio State’s Orthoplastics Reconstruction and Advanced Amputation Program; U.S. Navy Veteran

Saturday and Sunday (July 20 and 21) activities take place at the ASC Activity Center in Powell. Veterans will enjoy kayaking, cycling, paddle boarding, horseback riding, jiu jitsu, mountain biking, and water skiing. There will also be live entertainment, a children’s activity area, and veterans vendor village.

“I came to Boundless Freedom Veterans weekend and met people who were like me,” said one U.S. Navy veteran. “Being here has been amazing and really therapeutic. Interacting with the other veterans while doing the sports was the most special. I was able to interact with people that understand what I have been through. Having that validation and hearing them say, ‘yes that happened to me too,’ is a huge validation that makes you feel like you’re okay and not alone.”

Thank you to the following partners and sponsors for their support of Boundless Freedom Veterans Adventure Weekend: Wright-Patt Credit Union; City of Dublin; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James at Ohio State; Encova Insurance; Columbus Recreation and Parks; City of Columbus; Columbus Marriott Northwest; City BBQ; Top Dog Rentals; Columbus Aqua Ski Club; Qfm96 Red, White, & Q Fund; Power Equipment Solutions; The Route 66 Band; and Tristar Transportation Co.

For more information on Boundless Freedom Weekend, visit: https://adaptivesportsconnection.org/boundless-freedom-2024/
Checkout the video from last year’s event:
https://youtu.be/ZBi5BvNIFxc
And to learn about ASC’s support of warrior sports for veterans, visit: https://adaptivesportsconnection.org/warrior-sports/

About ASC: Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 and located in Columbus, Ohio. Dedicated to serving veterans, children, and adults with disabilities across Ohio through sports, outdoor, and therapeutic recreation, ASC is an active member of Move United. The organization’s mission is to break through limitations with adaptive innovation, ensuring people of all abilities, the health benefits, freedom, and sense of belonging from recreation and outdoor experiences.Get Out Adventures (GOA) formed in 2021 as a social enterprise and division of ASC. GOA supports ASC programming and activities, and directs 100% of net proceeds to the organization.

For Media Inquiries:
Su Lok
614-359-9376
[email protected]