WORLD TEAM SPORTS

Our Organization World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. Since 1987, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, bicycling, and more. We change lives through sports. Support for our organization is received primarily through individual and corporate donations and sponsorships. Please visit our Financial Documents page for additional information. Serving a Diverse Population In Need Approximately one in eight people in America have a disability. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010, there were more than 56 million Americans, representing over 19 percent of the population, with some form of disability. This population includes over 3 million children and 14 million elderly, spread almost equally between men and women, including people of all races. In addition, the ranks of the disabled have been swelled by over 720,000 members of the American Armed Forces who are seeking or receiving service-related injury compensation since 2001. Research indicates that between 22 percent and 28 percent of all war fighters who are injured sustain traumatic brain injuries. World T.E.A.M. Sports recognizes the needs of these returning war fighters and makes a special effort to provide resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families. It is clear that active participation in sports leads to happier, healthier lives for people with disabilities. Studies by respected organizations such as Harris Inactive provide statistical analysis. In a February, 2009 report, Sports and Employment Among Americans with Disabilities, commissioned by Disabled Sports USA, adults with disabilities report they believe active sports-related exercise “is beneficial in ways that extend beyond the physical gains. This includes improvement in physical and mental health, and quality of life.” In addition, the study indicates that “people with disabilities who indicate that they are physically active are more likely to be employed, to believe that being physically active has helped them advance in their jobs, and to lead to a healthier lifestyle.” Our Mission Statement World T.E.A.M. Sports changes lives through sports. For more than 20 years, we have used athletics to challenge disabled men, women and children to accomplish goals they never thought possible. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Through every World T.E.A.M. Sports event: • Participants with disabilities build their self-confidence and enhance their physical fitness. • The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work together as a team to overcome physical, emotional and technical challenges. • The disabled are a moving inspiration to able-bodied participants and to spectators who see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. • Other disabled citizens see the participants with disabilities as a role model, encouraging undertaking physical activities.