Dear Hornet Family,
As we celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, July 26 through Aug. 11, we are reminded of the unique role of the Olympic Games in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Olympics and Paralympics transcend athletic competition, serving as a powerful platform for advocacy, unity, and celebration of human achievement across all spectrums of identity and ability.
Historically, the Olympic Games have been a powerful stage for activism. One of the most iconic moments from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City was when 200-meter gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlo raised their fists in a silent protest against racial injustice. This act of Black solidarity and the fight for human rights continues to inspire. In tribute to this significant moment, artist Glenn Kaino worked with Smith to create the monumental sculpture "Bridge," which debuts at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center on July 26. "Bridge" features 200 golden arms cast from Smith’s outstretched arm, symbolizing the enduring impact of his protest and serving as a reminder of the power of individual acts of courage.
The Paralympic Games Aug. 28 – Sept. 8 in Paris will bring together as many as 4,400 disabled athletes worldwide. These athletes will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports and 23 disciplines. The events include blind football, Para archery, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, and many more. The Paralympics showcases the incredible skill, determination, and discipline of disabled athletes and their achievements. For more information, please visit the official website of the Paralympics.
We are proud to honor the achievements of Sac State athletes who have competed in past Olympic Games:
Mieke Boynton – Rowing
Competed for Australia in the bobsled in the 2006 Olympics
Suzy Brookshire – Softball
Played outfield for Mexico in the 2020 Olympics
Recorded the first hit in Mexican Olympic history
Susie Bugliarello – Softball
Pitched for Italy in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics
Albert Miller – Track and Field
Competed for Fiji in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympics
• 1984 – Decathlon
• 1988 – 110-meter hurdles, decathlon
• 1992 – 110-meter hurdles, decathlon
These athletes embody the excellence and perseverance that define our University community.
Sacramento State and Sports Accessibility
At Sacramento State, we are committed to promoting sports accessibility and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. Our dedication to accessibility is exemplified through our programs that provide educational and recreational opportunities for adaptive sports and through the achievements of our student-athletes.
The WELL’s Recreational Therapy Program
The WELL’s Recreational Therapy program is a cornerstone of our efforts to promote inclusive sports. Founded by Alivia Elder-Gok, this program hosts Inclusive sports clinics that teach students about rec therapy activities such as wheelchair tennis, basketball, and adaptive climbing. The clinics teach students the skills and techniques required to participate in these activities, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of accessibility in athletics. Additionally, the program offers a gardening program with adaptive gardening equipment, making it accessible to all participants and enhancing the range of inclusive activities available.
Elder-Gok's partnership with Sacramento's own Access Leisure has been instrumental in providing an educational and energetic space for Rec Therapy. Access Leisure is renowned for its commitment to creating inclusive recreational opportunities, and together with The WELL’s Recreational Therapy program, we are proud to offer these valuable experiences to our students.
Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration: Recreational Therapy
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration offers a degree in Recreational Therapy. It offers students hands-on experiential education working directly with disabled athletes to provide purposeful and goal-oriented recreation, sports, and leisure. You can learn more about the degree by visiting the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration website.
ASI Peak Adventures
ASI Peak Adventures plays a vital role in Sacramento State's dedication to sports accessibility. The Challenge Center, part of ASI Peak Adventures, emphasizes accessibility to ensure that all participants have a positive and inclusive experience. By valuing accessibility, the Challenge Center provides opportunities for students of all abilities to engage in adventurous and challenging activities in a supportive environment.
During the 2018-2019 year, ASI Peak Adventures received a University Enterprises, Inc., grant for Access Rec Mats, which enabled wheelchairs to maneuver more easily across the tanbark ground cover course. Additionally, the center features adaptive climbing equipment to enhance its inclusive offerings further. The ASI Peak Adventures bike shop collaborates with Access Leisure to provide repairs for recumbent bicycles that have been modified to fit the needs of riders of varying abilities, promoting the idea that sports and recreation are for all. The outdoor trip program at Peak Adventures works diligently to adapt programming to the unique needs of its participants. Past examples of this work include planning wheelchair-friendly hikes and modifying seating in rafts to allow disabled participants to attend white water rafting trips.
Bassem Mansour: A Sac State Student and Adapted Water Skier
We are proud to highlight the achievements of Sac State student Bassem Mansour, a 19-year-old paraplegic-adapted water skier. Mansour's athletic pursuits are supported by Achieve Tahoe, an organization dedicated to building health, confidence, and independence in people with disabilities through outdoor recreation. Achieve Tahoe's specialized equipment and teaching techniques have enabled Mansour to excel in adapted water skiing, demonstrating the incredible potential of adaptive sports.
As we celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games, let us reflect on the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that these events embody. Let us draw inspiration from the athletes who break barriers, champion change, and remind us of the strength found in unity and solidarity. Let us continue to strive for a campus environment that upholds these values in every aspect of our lives.
In solidarity,
Dr. Michael V. Nguyen
Chief Diversity Officer (interim)
