SportsAbility Alliance

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SportsAbility Alliance
(Formerly Florida Disabled Outdoors Association)

The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is working to enrich lives through accessible inclusive recreation. Since its inception in 1990, the FDOA has promoted accessible recreation to persons with disabilities as well as the general public through its hands-on recreation programs, newsletters and community outreach and education.

FDOA has also assisted in compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act and worked closely with many state, local and private organizations to develop, enhance and/or support recreation opportunities for the people with disabilities across Florida and beyond. We could not do any of it without our team and our partners. Choose an option below to learn more.

SportsAbility Alliance was founded in 1990 (originally as Florida Disabled Outdoors Association) by David Jones after a hunting accident left him with permanent paralysis on his left side. David took this “tragedy” as an opportunity to help people with disabilities (and all abilities) become more active, not only to improve their mobility, but also to improve their mental well-being. This has been his personal crusade ever since.

In 2002, SportsAbility Alliance hired Laurie LoRe-Gussak as their first Executive Director. Since then, the organization has grown and established itself as a leading not-for-profit in Florida and beyond.

In the early years, SportsAbility Alliance primarily provided outdoor adventures for people of all abilities. The organization is now providing and advocating for indoor, outdoor and even virtual and virtual reality activities. People of all abilities that participate in their events come from all over to experience activities such as boating, SCUBA, sky diving, art, rugby, archery, fishing, shooting sports, paddling and more. Hands-on training has helped people of all abilities become more comfortable and confident in being active. In 2021, the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association changed its name to SportsAbility Alliance, a name that better reflects what they now do.

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