SLU Physical Therapy Student Alexis Ardovitch Will Run the Chicago Marathon in Solidarity with Disabled Athletes

SLU Physical Therapy Student Alexis Ardovitch Volunteers at Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) Games and Runs for the Cause 

SLU SPT Alexis Ardovitch and Laura at the GLASA Games.

“GLASA helps athletes like Laura continue to pressure her athletic spirit,” states SLU SPT Alexis Ardovitch who volunteered at the games held from June 13 - June 16 at Lake Forest High School and Niles West High School, just outside of Chicago. Laura had been an avid biker with an active lifestyle before her accident. Now she is a powerful badminton player, beating Ardovitch on the court in an off the records game last month.  

Ardovitch, who is a 2018 SLUPSY Billiken Student-Athlete award winner, plans to run the Chicago Marathon in support of her fellow athletes on Sunday, October 13, 2019 in Chicago Illinois. "I am choosing to run the Chicago Marathon for GLASA because I am inspired by the athletes and their stories," writes Ardovitch. If you would like to be a part of her journey to increase access and raise awareness, then consider donating to Ardovitch's marathon HERE.

Babette, Johnnie and Alexis Ardovitch, SPT, at the GLASA Games

With events like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Midwest Valor Games, GLASA strives to create opportunities for empowerment, specifically surrounding disabled veterans. Reflecting upon the image above Ardovitch remarks, “Babette and Johnnie were both so full of joy. Both have served our country. Thank you for your service!” 

Dr. Okanlami and Alexis Ardovitch, SPT, at the GLASA Games.

At GLASA, Ardovitch made the acquaintance of key figures creating access and opportunity for independence, such as Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, MD, MS. Dr. Okanlami creates programs for disabled college students at the University of Michigan, where he is Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Affectionately known as “Dr. O,” he is also Director for Medical Student Success in the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion.

Alexis Ardovitch, SPT and friends at the GLASA Games.

GLASA's motto, 'Let No One Sit on the Sidelines' inspires an atmosphere of inclusion and well-being. The Association sponsors recreation, exercise and elite level competitive sports activities for over 3,000 youth, adult and military veterans with disabilities from around the world. Please consider supporting GLASA by donating through Ardovitch's Chicago Marathon Campaign page HERE.