World T.E.A.M. Sports is dedicated to the premise that “The Exceptional Athlete Matters.” We bring together as athletes people of all cultures, with and without disabilities, to accomplish goals beyond what is thought possible.
Serving a Diverse Population In Need
Approximately one in eight people in the United States have some form of a disability. In 2002, this included more than 51.2 million people, representing about 18% of the population. The Census Bureau estimates a current population of just over 312 million people, which suggests that over 56 million Americans have a disability. This population includes over four million children and 14 million elderly, is spread almost equally between men and women, and includes people from all races.
The ranks of the disabled have been swelled by members of the American Armed Forces who have been physically wounded in the Global War on Terrorism. The number of veterans in 2010 receiving service-connected disability benefits from the Veterans Benefits Administration is over 3.2 million, of which over 1.7 million have received benefits since the beginning of the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Service-related disabilities are led by Tinnitus and hearing loss, with Post traumatic stress disorder following closely behind. World T.E.A.M. Sports is aware of 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.
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.
Four things always happen at our events:
• Disabled participants build self confidence and physical fitness.
• The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities.
• The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination.
• The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges.
We change lives through sports.
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization headquartered in Holbrook, New York. Support comes primarily from individual and corporate donations and sponsorships. Please visit our Financial Documents page for additional information.
