Paralympian Archives - Athletes for Hope

AFH Athlete Spotlight: Abby Dunkin, PLY

AFH Athlete Spotlight: Abby Dunkin, PLY

Championing Inclusivity and Advocacy with Paralympian Abby Dunkin

In 2013, amidst the digital passageways of YouTube, Abby Dunkin began an extraordinary journey fueled by the electrifying spectacle of the Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team at the 2012 London Paralympics. After witnessing their athleticism, Dunkin was captivated, resulting in a newfound passion for the sport. Hailing from a military family, Dunkin was introduced to wheelchair basketball for the first time at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Among military personnel adjusting to their new way of life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, she discovered the San Antonio ParaSport Spurs, an all-military team. Thus, she began a journey leading to her collegiate competition and the illustrious ranks of Team USA.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Abby Dunkin says her Gold medal triumph at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in one of her proudest moments. Even more so, she cherishes the friendships woven across continents throughout her professional and collegiate levels, embodying the essence of sports companionship.

Abby and another Wheelchair Basketball athlete posing together with an American flag around their shoulders. They are inside an indoor gym.

All of the friendships I’ve been able to create from the sport around the globe, will always mean more than any gold medal.

Abby Dunkin, PLY

Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Dunkin is now a coach with the Rollin’ Hornets in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she dedicates herself to nurturing the next generation of wheelchair basketball talent. Through Abilities Unlimited, a non-profit organization, she empowers youths with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and independence through adaptive sports.

“It’s been so great being able to see the growth in our youth athletes and them having the realization that they can compete in athletics at a high level. Not only the kids, but also seeing the parents realize that their child has a place to compete with kids with similar abilities, and learn lessons to be independent.”

Abby Dunkin, PLY
Abby posing with a youth wheelchair basketball player.

Her impact extends far beyond the court as she continues to champion inclusivity and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. During the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Abby Dunkin was one of the few openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing in the games. At the time, she shares that she did not fully grasp the significance of her visibility, but she has since embraced her role as an advocate. She aligns with organizations like Athlete Ally, using her platform to champion equality within and beyond the realm of sport. Even after retiring in 2020, Dunkin’s advocacy work for Athlete Ally continues, ensuring that her impact on young athletes resonates far beyond her competitive years. She still participates in recreational competitions as part of their women’s team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, furthering her commitment to inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights.

For Dunkin, the essence of service lies in sharing her story at various sports events – whether on the court, in corporate events, or community gatherings. Through Athlete Ally and local engagements, Dunkin illuminates the power of inclusivity, with a profound desire to amplify the engagement in more events revolving around mental health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and bringing awareness to adaptive sports, specifically in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her advocacy work is a beacon of empowerment, inspiring others to make a difference in their communities.

Dunkin offers a profound directive to those embarking on the path of advocacy: “Start by finding a local organization that you connect with and truly believe in, and reach out to see what the best way is to get involved.”

Looking ahead, Dunkin envisions a future where every individual, regardless of identity or ability, finds their rightful place in the arenas of sport. Her long-term goals encompass a steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, mental health advocacy, and the proliferation of adaptive sports—a testament to her dedication to a more inclusive world. After following Abby Dunkin’s journey, her unwavering commitment to advocacy and service inspires change and embodies the transformative power of sport as a breakthrough for social progress.

AFH Paralympian Athlete Spotlight

Skiing With A Purpose: An Adaptive Sports Dream Day

At the age of 9 Lacey Henderson was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in her knee, a rare type of soft tissue cancer that would result in the amputation of her right leg. Despite her disability, she grew up an active child, and fast-forward some years later Lacey was competing in cheerleading throughout her high school and collegiate years.

It wasn’t until she received her Division 1 athletic scholarship from the University of Denver that Henderson would discover the “world of disability.” After competing in cheerleading, she was ready for a new challenge and took up track and field in 2012.

Lacey’s father, T.J., was a national decathlon champion who went to the Olympic trails for pole vaulting, so it is no surprise that as soon as Lacey picked up Track and Field her father would challenge her to try pole vaulting. 

Photo of Paralympian Lacey Henderson smiling white holding the American flag behind her back.

Eventually, Henderson took her father up on his challenge, trying pole vaulting and instantly falling in love with the sport. Her love for pole vaulting coupled with resilience, determination, and hard work would earn her a spot on her first U.S. Paralympic Team four years later in Rio de Janeiro. What’s more, Henderson is a 9x U.S. National Champ, performing in both the long jump and 100m dash.

Aside from her athletic achievements, Henderson is a public speaker, model, Sport and Performance Psychology Professional, an advocate for disability, and, consequently, many intersectional communities. 

Henderson has written numerous published works and has served in varying capacities in local government; however, she says that her most important accomplishment is sharing her experience and knowledge to empower and spread resources with those around her. 

As an Athletes for Hope Athlete and Whole Being Ambassador, Henderson has participated in mental health conversations such as Mental Health in Parasports, joined other AFH staff members on a trip to Tanzania as a part of a Global Exchange Program, participated in several CHAMPS in-person and virtual visits, joined the Mental Health Champions Club where she shared how to reframe your anxiety, and more.

There seems to be no limit for Henderson when it comes to creating positive change and advocating for the things she believes in. For Henderson, those two worlds collided on March 4, 2024, when she spent the day with Dream on 3 and the Ignite Active Sports Team to help create a Dream Day for four children. 

The Adaptive Ski Dream Day

Written by Katie Balint, Dream on 3

The cold day started with a warm welcome from Kevin and the Ignite Adaptive Sports team. Once the kids started arriving, instructors worked to get the kids in their skis and fitted, taking their time to ensure the kids were comfortable in foreign equipment and of course having fun along the way. Nervous smiles turned to pure joy as soon as each kid got on the snow! 

Two of the participants, Miles and Lucy, were in sit skis, another participant, Jude, was putting skis on for the very first time and finally, the last participant and proficient skier, Bella, was working to fine-tune her ski skills. As each kid went off to their area to learn, it was exciting to see them each gain confidence as they mastered one level and then moved on to a bigger challenge. 

Soon they were all zooming down the mountain with their instructors and not wanting to stop for a break! As evidence, Miles continuously said “again, again, again” as soon as he reached the group after one of his runs. Lucy came back down hitting the group with some snowballs and was excited to tell us about a tunnel that she and her instructors skied through. Jude was gaining his confidence and zig-zagging down like it wasn’t his first time on skis and Bella was cruising down with her instructors and the wind in her hair!

One of the many highlights of the day was being able to ski with Paralympian Lacey Henderson. A couple of the kids were wide-eyed when they were told Lacey was the Paralympic athlete there to hang out and ski with them, but all of their nerves being around a big-time athlete went out the window when they realized how awesome Lacey was. Her easy-going, fun-having attitude boosted the day, and she was a great role model for the kids to be around, encouraging them all along the way.

Lacey is very adventurous, she showed me that anything is possible no matter what shape or form. Lacey, Ignite, and Dream on 3, opened up a world I didn’t think I’d see again. I can’t wait to get back on the slopes!

Lucy, Dream Day Participant

Soaking in their runs together, Miles and Lucy were especially excited to show Lacey some of the spots they had found at the top of the mountain, where spectators couldn’t see. The day was a huge success and all the kids wanted to know when they could go skiing again. 

From the outside, it was something special to see the kids’ faces light up when they realized that they could quite literally conquer the mountain in front of them and it was even more special connecting with and seeing the smiles that extended to the faces of parents. 

As a parent of a child with an acquired disability, there were so many doors I thought would be so hard for her [Lucy] to enter. Starting over, learning everything again, seemed challenging, to say the least. Lucy is not one to shy away from physical challenges, but I knew we had a long road ahead of us. I know she can do anything she puts her mind to, so it was never a matter of if, but when. Connecting with Lacey, and having this opportunity, really showed her that it is even more possible than we realized. You gave her hope.

Jennifer, Dream Day Participant Lucy’s Mother

A couple of hours together and the sense of community and connection from strangers was so impactful. After hearing from a couple of the parents, who at one point, were questioning what the future looks like for the kids, they were so appreciative of being able to have the community that was on the mountain that day.

The ski day was so awesome and so fun! It was fun to even share the fitting experience, especially with the unique challenges that having a disability can bring with putting on ski gear. It was a blast having Lucy and her squad show me where the teepee on the mountain was, and ski along with them blasting Taylor Swift! I remember being young and not having any opportunity to see other adults with disabilities achieve anything from putting on a ski boot to flying down a mountain so it was a gift to be able to show and share that with our group on that perfect day!

Lacey Henderson, Paralympian

The day was indeed, a success, thanks to the amazing organizations and people that came together to make it happen. 

Paralympic Athlete Spotlight

Cycling Towards Inclusion

Paralympic Athlete Katie Walker discovered the Paralympic Movement in 2013, competing in Para track & field from 2013-2016. In 2020, she found her passion for indoor cycling, making the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team in 2022. Katie has been an AFH Athlete since 2021 and is passionate about representation in sports.

What has your experience been as an athlete with a disability?

I grew up playing able-bodied sports, softball/baseball and basketball, from age 5-20. I then transitioned to training for the Paralympics at age 25-present. 

You may fail or find it difficult to adapt in the beginning, but be persistent and don’t give up if it’s what you want to do. It will get easier with time. 

Katie Walker

Who has been your biggest support?

Currently, U.S. Paralympics Cycling is providing support. In addition, my coaches and teammates have all been hugely supportive. Growing up, I did not have a ton of role models who looked like me. I did, however, find inspiration from Jim Abbott at an early age. I think because of his exposure, I gained confidence knowing I could also play baseball (and play well) even though I was missing my left forearm/hand. In addition, I think because my coaches had awareness of him, they were better able to coach an athlete who had a similar disability.

How can athletes at all levels support their peers with disabilities in sports?   

Keep an open mind and be patient. Don’t be scared to ask questions or offer support if that is what you are feeling. Be accepting, encouraging and respectful.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate differences?   

Celebrating differences spreads awareness and increases exposure to what may have been considered fearful or shameful. With greater exposure and awareness comes more knowledge surrounding those differences.

Knowledge dispels fear, and when fear is diminished, understanding and acceptance come into existence. 

Katie Walker

What do you think will help raise awareness and inclusion when it comes to disability in sports?

I think continuing to increase the exposure of the Paralympic Movement will increase awareness and inclusion of disability in sports.