NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 3, 2025) – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities by awarding eight grants totaling $200,000 to support adaptive sports programming at 62 public schools nationwide. The grants were awarded through the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund and will directly benefit 1,400 students.
“Access to sports is a serious barrier for young people with disabilities across the country,” said Wade Munday, Director, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Impact, Bridgestone Americas. “Bridgestone has long supported equitable access to sports because of the lifelong skills they provide on and off the field. With these grants, we look forward to empowering more young people with the opportunity to play.”
While more than 7 million students in the U.S. receive special education services for disabilities in public schools, a 2010 study by the U.S. General Accountability Office found they participated in athletics at significantly lower rates than their peers. Of the nearly 100,000 public schools in the U.S., only 2,490 currently offer adaptive sports programs for students.
Non-profit organizations and public schools in districts spanning eight states – California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, and Tennessee – were awarded grants to grow existing or establish new athletic programs for students in grades K through 12. The funds will allow kids of all abilities to participate in sports like basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and bowling.
Bridgestone previously served as a Worldwide Paralympic Partner from 2018 to 2024. Since that time, it has continued to make investments with local community organizations to help expand access to adaptive sports. The company also works with a selection of world-class adaptive athletes as “Team Bridgestone” ambassadors who support equipment innovation, community engagement, and brand initiatives.
“When I was 12, I met a Paralympian who used a wheelchair just like me, but he was faster than I could ever imagine being! That encounter changed my life because I realized there was a place for me in sports,” said Chuck Aoki, American wheelchair rugby player, Paralympic medalist and member of Team Bridgestone. “Access to adaptive sports is transformative for people with disabilities, and I am proud that Bridgestone remains committed to reducing barriers for all athletes.”
Bridgestone’s contributions to adaptive sports are the latest example of its commitment to empowering future generations and advancing accessibility for underserved communities. These initiatives help deliver the values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, a global corporate commitment that outlines eight areas where the company is focused on contributing to a more sustainable world. Bridgestone’s work with adaptive sports supports the values of “Emotion” and “Empowerment”.
For more information, visit BridgestoneAmericas.com.
