The Power of Sports for Amputees Hits Phoenix With Heart, Humor, and Real Talk
The birds aren’t the only ones returning this spring—community spirit is making its own comeback, and it’s about to hit the ground running in Phoenix. The Power of Sports for Amputees is more than an event. It’s a film, a conversation, and a celebration of resilience packed into one unforgettable night. The backdrop? A room full of people who understand that life moves forward—even on a different set of legs.
The doors open at Ability360, located at 5031 E. Washington Street, on Friday, May 16th. From 5:30pm to 8:00pm, the conference room transforms into a space where stories are shared, connections form, and every form of movement—on wheels, blades, or running blades—is celebrated.
From Light Fare to Real Talk
The evening keeps it casual with light bites and beverages before diving into the main feature. The film explores the reality and beauty of adaptive athletics. From training regimens and mental grit to personal wins and hilarious sideline moments, it lays everything out with honesty and energy.
Following the screening, a panel of powerhouse voices will take the mic. Nick Pryor, Programs Manager at Ability360, joins forces with a prosthetist from Hanger Clinic. Marci Krown, the film’s director and producer, rounds out the panel. Each speaker brings insight, humor, and firsthand experience to the discussion. Additional guests are still in the works, but one thing is guaranteed—the conversation will be anything but boring.
Athleticism Looks Different Here
The film and panel dive into the core truth that sports don’t belong to one body type, speed, or style. They belong to everyone. And when prosthetics and passion collide, the results redefine what strength looks like. Whether it’s sprinting on a blade, pushing through water resistance in a pool, or lifting with a socket and sleeve, adaptive athletes bring their own brand of power to every field.
No two journeys look the same, and that’s part of the point. The event paints a portrait of athletes navigating setbacks, building skill, and throwing themselves into the game with every ounce of determination they have.
Part of the magic comes from seeing how prosthetic technology has evolved. The innovation behind it is something to admire—but the people wearing the equipment are the real show. They move differently, but with purpose. They fall, adjust, and keep going, usually with more grace and grit than most fully-limbed weekend warriors can manage.
More Than a Film—It’s a Vibe
The vibe is welcoming, not clinical. Uplifting, not overly polished. Stories are shared with laughter, raw truth, and the kind of honesty that leaves a mark. It’s about connection. It’s about standing—sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively—shoulder to shoulder in a room that sees people fully, regardless of how they move through the world.
As one attendee put it at a previous showing, “You don’t leave this event feeling sorry for anyone. You leave feeling impressed, motivated, and like you’ve been part of something real.”
Free, But Worth RSVPing For
Admission is free, but RSVPs are required to hold a seat. The energy behind the scenes is already buzzing, and spots won’t last forever. Anyone interested can reserve a spot online at https://ThePowerofsports.eventbrite.com. The earlier, the better—nobody wants to be that person scrambling for a folding chair in the back.
Parking is accessible and available right on site. The venue, Ability360, continues to raise the bar for inclusive spaces, and their support of events like this one shows that community empowerment isn’t just an idea—it’s happening right now.
Stepping Up Together
The event tagline says it all: Stepping Up. Together. It’s not about walking the same path or matching paces. It’s about showing up, learning, and honoring every kind of forward motion. Whether you’re an athlete, a supporter, a clinician, or someone who’s just curious, the night offers something meaningful.
Behind the scenes, organizations like Hanger Clinic, Amplitude, and BeFree have stepped in to make it all possible. Their sponsorship goes beyond logos and brochures—they’re investing in stories that spark change and spaces that amplify underrepresented voices.
May 16th is coming fast, and the buzz is only growing louder. Between the film, the food, and the thoughtful panel discussion, the night promises to leave people feeling more connected, more curious, and maybe even a little braver.