Adam Bender, an 8-year-old athlete who excels at multiple sports despite the loss of
one leg, will be the recipient of the Perseverance in Sport Award presented by
Syracuse University's Sport Management Club at its Fourth Annual Charity Sports
Auction on Thursday, April 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
In addition to the award presentation, the Fourth Annual Charity Sports Auction will
feature the Jreck Subs Distinguished Lecture by Jim Abbott, a former major league
pitcher and Olympic gold medalist, and a silent auction including more than 400
items. Event proceeds will benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital at Upstate and the
Sport Management Club.
Born with a cancerous tumor on his leg, Bender endured significant ongoing
treatment before eventually having his leg amputated at the hip at age one. Like
many young children, Bender dreamed of competing in team sports. At age three, he
started playing soccer on crutches and became an instant success. Soon after, he
began playing football-mastering the position of quarterback-and competed in
baseball and wrestling.
Bender plays sports today for his own personal enjoyment and challenge. He is best
known for his skills in soccer, football and baseball, with a reputation for making
critical plays that help his teams win games. In 2008, with the help of his parents, he
founded the Adam Bender Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing participation
by physically challenged children in mainstream youth sports and inspiring people of
all ages to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
Bender has received numerous honors and distinctions, including listing as one of
People magazine's Heroes of 2008, the Chicago Pitch and Hit Club's 2009 Bo Jackson
Courage Award and the Lexington Herald-Leader co-winner of Kentucky's Most
Intriguing Newsmaker of 2008.
The Perseverance in Sport Award is presented annually to role models who have
overcome tremendous adversity in life through personal connections with sport. The
list of past honorees: Kyle Lograsso (2008), Alexi Salamone (2007) and Jason
McElwain (2006). For additional information regarding Adam Bender, former award
winners and the SU Charity Sports Auction, visit
http://www.sucharitysportsauction.com.
Tickets for the event are available at the Carrier Dome Box Office or by phone at 1-
888-DOME-TIX, $10 for adults and $5 for students and children 18 and younger.
The Sport Management Club is a student-run organization in the SU College of
Human Ecology's Department of Sport Management. Since its inception, the club
has participated in numerous community service efforts and raised more than
$50,000 for local charities.
