Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
2 locals are competing in the Paris Paralympic Games
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Two-and-a-half weeks after the Paris 2024 Olympics finish, the Paralympics begin, and the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team is going for the gold.
Show your support for the team at Celebration of Champions—Friday, July 26 at the Lakeshore Foundation.
Know before you go: Celebration of Champions
Who needs to fly to Paris when you can watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games at the French-themed Celebration of Champions?
- What: Watch party, silent auction + sendoff for the USA Wheelchair Rugby team, complete with French food + wine
- When: Friday, July 26, 6:30PM
- Where: Lakeshore Foundation, 4000 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Attire: Dressy casual
- Tickets: $125-$25K | Buy now
- Give: Perfect if you want to support the mission but can’t attend
This will be the first in-person Olympic-related event Lakeshore has hosted since 2016.
To purchase a sponsorship, contact Chris Thomason at christophert@lakeshore.org or 205.313.7416 or Edward Reynolds at edwardr@lakeshore.org or 205.313.7444.
Meet 2 local members of the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team
To learn more about Lakeshore and the upcoming trip, we spoke with two local paralympic athletes who are excited to represent their country at the highest level, when they travel to Paris with the entire USA Wheelchair Rugby Team.
Clayton Brackett—Hoover
Clayton Brackett grew up in California and moved to Hoover in 2013, thanks to Lakeshore’s wheelchair rugby team.
He played intercollegiate wheelchair basketball at the University of Illinois for two years, then came to finish his degree at UAB.
His mother-in-law, who used to work as Lakeshore’s Head of Rec and Athletics, first introduced him to the facility.
For Clayton, who originally tried out for the team in 2015, it’s been a long journey.
“To finally make the team is an incredible feeling—it’s kind of unreal. As we get closer, it’s crazy to be at the pinnacle of your sport, and representing the USA is an honor.
There’s something really special with this team in particular—it’s been neat to see how we’ve all come together and we’re gonna do everything we can to bring home the gold.”
Clayton Brackett
Zion Redington—Trussville
Zion Redington will be attending UAB dual enrollment for his senior year. Due to his training and travel schedule with the USAWR team, he is homeschooled.
He came to Lakeshore almost three years ago from Nashville, Tennessee. When his team—the Cumberland Quad Crushers—disbanded, Lakeshore’s team was the next closest.
Rather than drive three hours each way, his entire family moved to The Magic City.
“It’s an absolute joy to represent our country, our home, everything that we stand for. It’s an honor and also a motivator for diligence and excellence.”
Zion Redington
An official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site right here in Birmingham
Lakeshore has been supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Movement for a long time now. In fact, in 2003, they were designated an official United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Olympic and Paralympic Training Site.
Since then, Lakeshore:
- Has been hosting national team training camps + international competitions for 18 years.
- Has produced 52 Paralympic athletes, coaches + staff—together, they have captured 30 Paralympic medals.
Lakeshore also serves as the National Governing Body for USA Wheelchair Rugby and Boccia US.
“National Governing Bodies (NGB) are organizations that govern and manage all aspects of their individual sports within the United States. [They] are responsible for training, competition and development for their sports, as well as nominating athletes to the US Olympic and Paralympic teams.”
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee website
What Clayton + Zion want Birminghamians to know about Lakeshore
While some people say Lakeshore is Birmingham’s best kept secret, there’s no reason for locals not to know about this incredible resource.
In my own family, my sister—an amputee—and her service dog can regularly be seen coming to and from the pool.
Before he passed away, my dad lost his vision and would swim regularly at Lakeshore because of the special bumpers they put out so he wouldn’t hit his head.
I have known two other people who have used the pool regularly with their children who have cerebral palsy.
Of course, elite athletes like Clayton and Zion have a whole different appreciation for Lakeshore.
It’s always home
“Lakeshore is a great facility for people in Birmingham with disabilities or the elderly. Whether you’re an elite-level athlete or somebody who comes in with their holiday tradition of wanting to lose weight, Lakeshore is always a home and like a family. However often you’re here, you’ll always be welcome.”
Clayton Brackett
A place where dreams can come true
“For me, Lakeshore is where you can achieve your dreams. It’s a place for anybody to come—no matter what their extenuating circumstances are, they can achieve whatever they want here.”
Zion Redington
Get your tickets now for Celebration of Champions + support the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team as they head to the Paralympics.
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