Going the Distance for Those Who Can’t: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro for the Physically Disabled

This August, I will complete a fundraiser hike to one of the world’s most amazing geographic locations—Mount Kilimanjaro. When I climb the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on Earth, my plan is to give 100 percent of all donations directly to BlazeSports to purchase new wheelchair and track equipment, as well as support athletic programs for participants with disabilities.

My goal is to summit Africa’s tallest mountain and also to raise money and awareness for BlazeSports. This nonprofit provides life-changing sports programs for young adults and military veterans with physical disabilities. I am going the distance for those who can’t.

This is the second fundraiser hike I’ve carried out in support of BlazeSports. Last year, I hiked the Rim to Rim trail across the Grand Canyon, raising $13,000 in support of the organization’s adaptive sports programs for young adults and military veterans.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa’s support and for her to raise awareness of our programs in such a fun way,” said Mara Galic, BlazeSports America interim executive director. “At BlazeSports, we encourage athletes with all levels of abilities to achieve new heights, and Lisa’s efforts demonstrate this same philosophy.”

More information is available at www.blazesports.org/ways-to-give/LisaSimmons.

About BlazeSports America

BlazeSports America is the direct legacy nonprofit organization of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. For more than 20 years, BlazeSports America has been creating adaptive sport and recreation opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities in Georgia and throughout the country, serving more than a quarter of a million children, veterans, athletes, and service providers with physical disabilities through programs, training and education initiatives, and an extensive network.

Based in Atlanta and a two-time winner of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Rings of Gold (2016 and 2017), BlazeSports embraces the mission of changing the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities through adaptive sports and recreation. BlazeSports America is a member of the United States Olympic Committee Multi-Sport Organizational Council and the USA Member Organization of the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CPISRA). www.blazesports.org