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• Who is Blaze?

Blaze is a phoenix

Blaze is a phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from ashes to experience a renewed life. The phoenix appears in Egyptian, Arabian, Chinese, Russian and native American lore and in all instances symbolizes strength, vision, inspiration and survival. The phoenix was an ideal mascot for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and later for BlazeSports America. It has long been the symbol of Atlanta’s rebirth after its devastation in the Civil War. But most importantly, it is the personification of the will, perseverance and determination of youth and adults with physical disability to achieve full and productive lives.

Blaze, with his bright colors, height and broad wing span, reflects the traits, identified in a focus group of athletes with disability, as those they believed best represented the drive to succeed of persons with physical disability who pursue sports as recreation and as a competitive endeavor. Today, Blaze is the most recognizable symbol of disability sport in America – and perhaps in the world.

Blaze Fun Facts

Blaze is a foot taller that Shaquille O'Neal and has a reach that is three feet longer than Evander Holyfield's. * Blaze has to rate as one of America's most colorful characters, literally, considering he is radiant red, fiery gold, rich teal and royal purple. * Blaze was the official mascot of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games.

Blaze is 8 feet, 3 inches tall. His wingspan is 8 feet, 6 inches, his beak is 20 inches front to back. * Blaze is a phoenix, symbolizing his new hometown, Atlanta, which rose from the ashes of the Civil War, and the Paralympic athlete, who overcomes great challenges to achieve athletic excellence. * Blaze continues as the permanent representative of the BlazeSports America and an enduring symbol of the Triumph of the Human Spirit.

Coming Soon: The Legend of Blaze...