Three athletes received custom-fit adaptive sports equipment as a surprise from the company
The new adaptive equipment purchased through this grant will have an immediate impact on athletes nationwide by providing greater access to the game of amputee soccer.”— Keith Mann of the American Amputee Soccer Association
CENTRAL ISLIP, NY, UNITED STATES, August 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA), a nonprofit based in Stony Brook, N.Y., has been awarded a $30,000 grant from The Hartford to purchase new adaptive sports equipment.
With this funding, the AASA – part of the Move United member network – acquired adaptive sports equipment, including 85 sets of premium crutches for both youth and adults to use while playing amputee soccer in communities across the country.
Additionally, The Hartford surprised three individuals – 8-year-old Ryan Brooks, 24-year-old Kerven Lubin, and 34-year-old Nicolas Ballew – with custom-fit Sidestix forearm crutches and Human Achievement Awards. Each award includes a grant to support the recipient’s training and travel as they continue to pursue their athletic goals.
“I am very grateful to The Hartford and Move United for their generous support. This grant will help me pay for train tickets to practices and competitions allowing me to focus more on playing amputee soccer and improving my skills. Their support helps remove some financial barriers and gives me the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for the sport I like,” said Kerven Lubin, from Queens, New York.
“Ryan was grateful for the grant money and the crutches. He plans on using the money for travel to explore more adaptive sporting opportunities through Move United. We were very touched by the generosity of the organization,” said Brooks’ parent, from Richmond, Virginia.
“This grant not only strengthens me, but the whole Atlanta team! To be gifted these crutches in the inaugural year of Atlanta joining the AmpCup is motivation for all beginners around the country who are just getting into the sport. Amputee soccer brings out the best in players and even though we compete against each other, the fact that we love on and off the pitch is the biggest gift,” said Nic Ballew, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
“On behalf of the American Amputee Soccer Association, we sincerely thank The Hartford and Move United for this generous funding opportunity. The new adaptive equipment purchased through this grant will have an immediate impact on athletes nationwide by providing greater access to the game of amputee soccer. Partnerships like this help us create more inclusive opportunities, strengthen local programs, and inspire athletes of all ages to pursue their goals both on and off the field,” stated Keith Mann, representing the American Amputee Soccer Association.
AASA runs grassroots and competitive programs nationwide, including clinics, training camps, regional development initiatives, and also oversees the U.S. National Men’s and Women’s Amputee Soccer Teams.
Shuan Butcher
Move United
+1 240-268-2180
email us here
