Thank you, Ashley!

Ashley Thomas, long-time leader and founder of Bridge II Sports, has stepped down as CEO of Bridge II Sports. In over 20 years serving our community, Ashley has been responsible for countless impactful moments for those with physical disabilities and for veterans in the Southeast. Many of you have been deeply impacted by her sacrifices and service, and we are forever grateful for the work that she put into founding this incredible organization.

She was personally responsible for Valor Games Southeast, an annual competition partnering with UNC, Duke, and Wake County that united thousands of veterans from around the country through competition, bringing joy, purpose, and unity to those in need. She also spearheaded programs and tournaments including August Madness, Rocky Mount 3x3, USA Boccia tournament, to name a few. She has been a leader in this space for many years and constantly thought of new ways to serve more people, thinking of others before herself in pursuit of growth in all people.

Her joy came from seeing people with disabilities consider themselves to be athletes and use sports as a catalyst for meaningful change in their lives. She loves watching people grow and shift their mindsets, beginning to think about all that they can do rather than what they cannot do. She constantly spoke of how small goals build into meaningful change in people’s life, and this is a message and vision that Bridge II Sports will continue to embody as we consider how we will move forward in our new direction.

So, join me in thanking Ashley for all that she has done and congratulate her on a race well run!