Lakeshore Foundation: Everyone’s a Winner

July 26 was a big day for the Lakeshore Foundation.

That date marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the law that protects civil rights of people with disabilities.

Also, the 2024 Olympic Games kicked off that evening, which provided the perfect backdrop for the Lakeshore Foundation’s Celebration of Champions, a fundraising event that served as an enthusiastic send-off for the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby team heading to Paris to compete.

Lakeshore Foundation is a Birmingham organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disability to live a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, research, advocacy and health promotion.

Lakeshore is also an official United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and hosts national team training camps and international competitions. Lakeshore serves as the national governing body and home training site for Team USA Wheelchair Rugby and Boccia United States.

Kathy Lovell, disability services and outreach manager at Regions Bank, and other Regions associates were on hand at the Celebration of Champions to cheer on the wheelchair rugby team, celebrate the anniversary of the ADA and promote the bank’s support of the Lakeshore Foundation.

“Regions is so proud to support the Lakeshore Foundation and all their important programming that makes life better for people with disabilities,” Lovell said. “We’re very fortunate to have this world-class facility in our headquarters city and Regions appreciates this longstanding community partnership.”

The Paralympic Games is the world’s second largest multi-sport event right behind the Olympic Games. It features the world’s top athletes with a disability. Lakeshore has produced 52 Paralympic athletes, coaches and staff, and those athletes have captured 30 Paralympic medals.

But Lakeshore doesn’t just serve elite athletes. The facility offers aquatics, recreation, fitness and athletic programs for any individual with a physical disability or chronic health condition. Sports, recreation, and disability-related events take place at Lakeshore each year and many of those events depend on community volunteers.

We’re very fortunate to have this world-class facility in our headquarters city and Regions appreciates this longstanding community partnership.Kathy Lovell, disability services and outreach manager at Regions Bank

And that’s where Regions comes in.

Regions Bank is the volunteer partner for 2024 and 2025, and Regions associates have many opportunities to help out with sports tournaments and special events hosted and sponsored by Lakeshore Foundation.

A recent example is the Hartford Nationals, a sports championship for children and adults with disabilities, which took place just outside Birmingham in Hoover Alabama, July 12-18. More than 400 athletes with disabilities participated in sports such as archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair tennis.

Several Regions associates volunteered at the Lakeshore-sponsored event, including Clay Daniel, an Agile Release Train Engineer at the bank. This was Daniel’s second year to work at the Hartford Nationals, and he has a personal connection that makes his support even more meaningful.

Daniel was born with bilateral clubfeet and due to some medical complications, he and his doctors made the decision four years ago to amputate his right foot. Facing this physical challenge was difficult, along with accepting the mental and emotional realities of being an amputee. All this while being present for his family, including two active 13- and 10-year-old boys, and managing his busy career at Regions – during a global pandemic.

It was a lot.

It’s remarkable how much helping other people actually helps you.Clay Daniel, Agile Release Train Engineer at Regions

Daniel’s doctor advised him to “go be with your people” – that is, get to know individuals like you, in similar situations, and be inspired and motivated by them. That’s what nudged him to get involved with the Hartford Nationals. And it made a profound difference.

“It’s remarkable how much helping other people actually helps you,” Daniel said.

Daniel has assisted with various portions of the tournament, including track and field events and air rifle shooting, and worked with participants with many types and degrees of disability. But he is quick to point out that you don’t have to be a person with disability to volunteer at an event like the Hartford Nationals.

“Anyone can be involved in programs like this – and you definitely should,” he said. “Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never worked with people with disabilities. These athletes will surprise you with their confidence. They know what they can and can’t do, and they’ll help you help them.”

“It’s inspiring and fun – and makes you want to get off the sidelines and compete.”

Amy Belcher, volunteer coordinator for Lakeshore Foundation, emphasizes the important role volunteers play in these types of events.

“The Hartford Nationals by Move United absolutely can’t happen without the support of our volunteers,” Belcher said. “Having Regions as volunteer partner that is equally invested in providing inclusive services to customers with disabilities has been tremendous.”

Belcher notes that more than 40 Regions associates contributed more than 230 volunteer hours at Lakeshore Foundation last year, participating in activities such as youth and adult athletic teams, recreation programs, athletic tournaments – along with major events like the Hartford Nationals.

I’m honored to be a part of this world-renowned facility that serves both professional athletes and people in our local community with disabilities. Dave Keenan, Regions Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer

Dave Keenan, Regions Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer, serves on the board of directors for the Lakeshore Foundation and is passionate about the work they do in the community.

“I’m honored to be a part of this world-renowned facility that serves both professional athletes and people in our local community with disabilities,” Keenan said. “Regions was recently named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the fourth consecutive year, so this area is a priority for us internally, as well as being a key part of our community engagement strategy.”

Keenan is leading a large group from his department to spend a volunteer day at Lakeshore Foundation during Evergreen Week, Regions’ yearly associate-recognition week. The team will be doing grounds cleanup and sprucing up the campus.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there with my team and getting our hands dirty to help support the Lakeshore staff and members,” Keenan said. “It’s a great way to introduce more of our Regions associates to the Lakeshore Foundation and the outstanding work they do on behalf of the disability community.”