U.S. Paralympian Melissa Stockwell, who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for her service in the Iraq War, shares her inspiring story and the impact of her charity, Dare2Tri, which empowers disabled athletes to pursue triathlon competitions.
Melissa Stockwell, a decorated Paralympic triathlete and former U.S. Army first lieutenant, has dedicated her life to empowering athletes with disabilities through her charity, Dare2Tri. After losing her left leg in a roadside bombing during the Iraq War, Stockwell became the first Iraq War veteran to compete in the Paralympics.
Stockwell's journey from the battlefield to the podium has been one of resilience and triumph. As she prepares for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, she is using her platform to raise awareness about Dare2Tri, a non-profit organization she co-founded in 2010 to help disabled athletes overcome barriers and achieve their dreams in triathlon competitions.
Paralympic Champion Melissa Stockwell Empowers Athletes with Disabilities through Dare2Tri
"A lot of the times we say that the finish line is just the beginning," Stockwell said. "It's about self-confidence and self-worth. They realize how much ability is in their disability."
Through Dare2Tri, Stockwell and her team provide mentorship, training, and financial assistance to disabled athletes, enabling them to participate in triathlons. The charity's three-day camps offer a transformative experience, connecting athletes with a community of peers who can relate to their challenges.
Paralympic Champion Melissa Stockwell Empowers Athletes with Disabilities through Dare2Tri
"They've never seen another person, much less an athlete, missing a limb," Stockwell said. "We bring them into one of our camps, and they're suddenly surrounded by other athletes just like them. They don't feel alone anymore."
Stockwell's dedication to Dare2Tri has earned her recognition as one of the 20 athletes to receive $24,000 in grants from P&G, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Paralympic Committee. This initiative acknowledges the athletes' commitment to their communities while excelling in their sports.
Paralympic Champion Melissa Stockwell Empowers Athletes with Disabilities through Dare2Tri
Stockwell is joined by other notable athletes, including Ezra Frech, who is also a recipient of the Athletes for Good grant. Together, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled athletes worldwide.
"As an athlete with a disability myself, I found my community and my people through sport," Stockwell said. "It's huge. A lot of times, they feel alone. We bring them into one of our three-day camps, and they're suddenly surrounded by other athletes just like them. Suddenly, they don't feel alone anymore because they have this sense of community."
Through Dare2Tri, Stockwell continues to break down barriers and inspire others to embrace their potential. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative impact of sports in empowering individuals with disabilities.
