Submitted by Christine Goldman
STRIDE Adaptive Sports has named Dave Graham as Volunteer of the Year and Joe Pierson as Athlete of the year. Dave Graham serves as program leader for STRIDE Tennis. He began his journey with STRIDE in 2010 when he was looking for a sports program for his son who has autism. After the positive experiences he and his son had with STRIDE, Dave agreed to take over the tennis program which was a fledgling summer event. He created a tennis curriculum and format for individuals with disabilities including wheelchair tennis players that emphasizes basic fundamental tennis skills while providing the opportunity for social interaction and a place to have fun. After over a decade of stellar service, Dave rose to the occasion during the pandemic, teaching STRIDE tennis players that they can have fun and play the game even while at home during quarantine by making fun videos for virtual skill development. When it became reasonably safe to return to in-person play, he got our program back on the courts. He has fantastic volunteer assistance too, his father David Senior, wife Michelle, daughter Rory, and a number of HS students who help make the program run seamlessly.
Athlete Joe Pierson has been a part of the STRIDE swimming program since 2015. Joe continuously puts forth his best at every practice. He is determined to grow personally and as an athlete. This high level of dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership is infectious. He cheers on teammates during difficult sets and reminds them of their lofty goals.
A true testament to Joe’s commitment to helping others was when he began early Saturday morning practice to volunteer with beginner swimmers. Joe worked to teach freestyle, backstroke, and critical swim skills to a new learner, who joined the swim team after Joe’s help. For these reasons Joe was named STRIDE Stingray’s Swim Team Captain.
