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Somewhere, I know my father is smiling right now.
Before he passed away three years ago – it's hard to believe it's already been three years – he had devoted his life to helping persons with disabilities. That's the very reason Wright & Filippis exists today. It's also the reason he founded the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. His goal was to form an organization that would recognize the accomplishments of athletes with disabilities, celebrating their achievements and bringing awareness to the general public. The Hall of Fame made tremendous strides in its first decade. Beginning with the first class in 1999, we honored more than 50 extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to this region. But my father's vision was much broader than Michigan or the Midwest – he dreamed of an organization that could impact the lives of people throughout our country.
That's where the Extremity Events Network, and Easter Seals of Michigan, enters the picture. A few years ago, EEN began staging the Extremity Games, an annual series of international extreme sports competitions for amputees and those with limb difference. Their focus on providing unique athletic opportunities was strikinglysimilar to the Hall of Fame's mission. After a series of meetings and discussions, leadership from each organization knew there were many benefits to be gained by combining our operations.
At the same time, Easter Seals, a longtime sponsor of the Hall of Fame, expressed interest in supporting the new combined organization. Officially, our newlyformed non-profit – the Athletes with Disabilities Network – is now a subsidiary of Easter Seals of Michigan.
Our unique affiliation with a nationally-known group such as Easter Seals, combined with the international appeal of the Extremity Games, has positioned the Hall of Fame to reach every corner of the country. This past October, we welcomed the first "National Inductee" into the Hall of Fame, an important first step in expanding our scope, and we are looking for new ways to honor deserving athletes from all 50 states.
The list of people responsible for this exciting merger is too long to mention here. They know who they are, and I am personally appreciative of their tireless efforts. Thanks to their hard work, my father's dream is still very much alive today. For that, I will always be thankful.
Sincerely,
A.J. Filippis