ABLE Youth, Inc.

SEC Women's Tourney Exhibition

What a special night! The Nashville Sports Council and SEC invited our Music City Thunder wheelchair basketball team to do a short exhibition during halftime of the Women's semi-final game tonight. The players did a great job and the crowd was blown away at our basketball and chair skills. Thanks to all the parents who braved the rain and wind and no handicapped parking to make the night a huge success. And a HUGE thank you to the SEC and the Nashville Sports Council, who treated us as good as it gets.

GO THUNDER!

Awesome Weekend, Awesome Tournament

We held our annual ABLE Youth junior wheelchair basketball tournament over the weekend and it was nothing short of amazing. Our Thunder Varsity team came in third place, and our Nathaniel Woodard was named tourney MVP. Our Thunder Prep team won their division championship game in QUADRUPLE overtime. It was unbelievable. I think what touched me most was watching our Varsity team huddle around the smaller, younger prep players during the overtime and timeouts. The gym was crazy loud, and I am not sure I will ever forget the feeling in that gym, and the smiles on our kids' faces. Priceless, for sure.

Thunder Varsity Takes Indy Tourney

We won! Music City Thunder Varsity wheelchair basketball team went to Indiana over the weekend and played tough, winning most games by 20 or more points. All players enjoyed getting in the games and contributing to a successful weekend. Thunder defeated Hammond Rolling Hoosiers in the championship game 64-44. Good job Thunder!
Thunder Prep won and lost games this weekend, losing their final game in a heart stopper to Indiana JR. Pacers 18-16. All players big and small played hard, learned some lessons, and had fun.
A good winner knows how to lose.
I am proud of both teams, and want to say thanks to the parents and coaches for helping the Athletes Build Life Experiences.....

Wheelchair Basketball in North Carolina

The Music City Thunder prep and varsity wheelchair basketball teams (sponsored by ABLE Youth) competed in Charlotte, NC over the weekend. Both teams played hard and made it to the championship game in their division. The prep team played first this morning, and came away with a win and first place over the Georgia team with a score of 19 - 12.  Thunder prep players Reagan and Madison were named to the Prep All Tournament Team.  I am so very proud of all the prep players, and coach Evan for his hard work and dedication to the team.
Our varsity team then took the court against North Carolina.  The game was tough, and both teams played with heart and determination. Unfortunately the Thunder varsity team came up short and had to settle for second place losing 57 - 52.  Morgan was named to the Varsity All Tournament Team and Nathaniel was named Tournament MVP.  
Thanks to coach Dan, Byron, and all the parents who participated in an awesome weekend of competitive wheelchair basketball.  WAY TO GO THUNDER! 

Thunder Varsity Wins St. Louis Tournament

We started the wheelchair basketball season on a good note.  Our Music City Thunder Varsity team won all four games to take first place at the St. Louis Wheelchair Basketball tournament today.  Thunder defeated Tulsa, St. Louis, and two teams from Kansas City to win the Championship. 

The Junior Varsity team played well, losing a close game with Kansas City at the end of the day.  All the players gained valuable experience with lots of court time throughout the tournament.  Thanks to all the parents and coaches who made the trip such a success.  GO THUNDER!

Swim & Tennis Lessons

We had a good turn out for our tennis lessons at the Centennial Sportsplex and swim lessons at the Jewish Community Center.  The most improved awards go to John Cohea for tennis, and Fiona Murphey for swimming.  All the kids did very well, had fun, and learned alot.  And once again, the kids built new life experiences, and have learned one more activity to build on as they grow up.  Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this happen, you guys were great!

Fiona fixes her goggles as Meagan gives her encouragement. 

Swim lessons

We had a great time today learning how to swim. The instructors really taught the kids what to do and the kids listened, which led to all the children improving more than we expected. Thanks to the JCC for letting us use their facility. Please take a look at some of the pictures in the 2010 Swim Lessons photo album to the left of this screen!

Meagan works with Fiona

BBall & Cheer Year End Party

Today following Super Sports Saturday we held our annual Year End Party for the Prep and Varsity Travel basketball teams and our famous cheerleaders. It was a great time as we all had grilled burgers, hot dogs, and lots of food brought by everyone. We ate, chatted, and handed out much deserved trophies and gifts to all who participated last season.  

I got up to thank all the coaches and assistants and as usual started crying. I always wonder why the heck I am so emotional when I speak to the group, but I think it is because I love these kids with everything I have, and I want them to grow up and have a great life like me. I am so blessed to not only have the kids, but I cherish the many friendships I have created over the years with the parents and volunteers of ABLE Youth. Life is good indeed! 

Please be sure to look at the PHOTO ALBUM on the left side of the page! 

And THANKS TO ALL who made our season possible and successful.

God bless u all----see u soon!

Rick

 

Each player received a trophy!
 
 

Thunder Flies to Denver for Nationals

The A.B.L.E. Youth Music City Thunder took to the skies today to head to the Junior National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Denver. Their first game will be a huge test against Michigan, one of the best teams in the nation. Thunder has worked hard and practiced harder for this week, and they deserve to be going to this prestigious event. Thunder, leave everything you have on the court!!! We are all so very proud of you!

Thunder Varsity Wins - Qualifies For Denver Nationals

Music City Thunder Varsity wheelchair basketball players avenged yesterday's loss to Lakeshore by taking them down today, and followed that impressive win with a victory over Georgia Blaze 42-38 to take FIRST PLACE in the Southern Regional Championship.  Thunder won when it counted, period.  This win qualifies them for the Junior Nationals in Denver which takes place in mid-April. WAY TO GO THUNDER!

Also, the Music City Thunder Prep team won its' first game of the season to place 3rd in the tournament. To all the prep players, coach Evan, Ashley, and Amy, GREAT JOB.

And WHAT would the trip be without our famous THUNDER CHEERLEADERS! We are the only team around with our very own cheering squad. The girls did a great job motivating both teams to play their very best, and looked good doing it! 

To all coaches, parents, players, AND SPONSORS who made the trip a success: 

AWESOME JOB! Now, let's get ready for DENVER!