Join us in congratulating Wes Hall, Director of Programs at Bridge II Sports,
for his recognition as one of only 100 regional winners of the Double-Goal Coaching Award
from the Positive Coaching Alliance presented by Team Snap.

 

“I have observed Wes in helping athletes set realistic and challenging goals
for themselves and giving them the encouragement to succeed.

Wes goes out of his way to help make sure all athletes can participate
in a sport and assist athletes with adaptive accommodations when needed.

I have also observed the joy and self-confidence that the Bridge II Sports athletes
receive from participating in these sports. “

“I have worked with Wes for the last 2 years and supported him and BIIS
in their many efforts to help those with physical disabilities.

Wes is very dependable and follows through with all actions he takes on.

He works very closely with new participants to ensure they have everything they
need to be successful in the event they are trying.
Could not think of anyone better for this award.”

“Wes is as able as anyone and more able than most in supporting others with different abilities,
making them comfortable, challenged and successful at new activities so that they
can thrive in their lives in new ways, enjoy the outdoors, physical activity and fun with new friends.

I appreciate Wes, respect him very much and admire him as a wonderful, caring human being.
I am proud to be associated with him!”

“Wes Hall has been very helpful for me. He is a kind and caring coach.
When I first started playing Boccia, Wes made me feel welcome and made me believe I could play this sport.

He has worked with the other coaches and me to
design the best ramp and ball release method for me to use for Boccia.

Bridge II Sports has become like a second family to me,
and I appreciate all the good work Wes does.”

“I am a parent of a wheelchair basketball player on the Junior Prep Team PRIDE.
Wes is a fantastic role model for his players on and off the court.
Many of the players on our team have never played an organized sport before.

Wes’s goal is for the players to gain confidence, self-love and worth, and to give them
a sense of belonging all while learning and competing in the game of basketball.
Coach Wes gives them the feeling of security and acceptance while teaching them boundaries, how to work together and how to compete with good sportsmanship.  Without Wes’s guidance the athletes at Bridge II Sports would be athletes at all.”

“I met Wes during my first Valor Games SE as I got into a kayak feeling clueless and lost.
He provided me with some basic instructions and I placed in that race. Wes encouraged me, nicknamed me “Torpedo”
and sent me out for the final race of the day. I took the Gold that day and Wes became my coach!

As a coach, Wes has a way of training that is smooth and easy to follow.
He would explain the procedure and when I reach out to try I am able to do it.
I am a Disabled Veteran who has lost my ability to run, my first love.
I progressed so quickly under his training that kayaking has become my second love!”

Wes has dedicated his life to empowering youth and adults through the power of sport…a power that has helped shape every aspect of who he is.

At the age of 15 Wes had his leg amputated at the hip due to cancer. Wes credits being pushed through sports and outdoor recreation to problem solve and not make excuses to forging his life-long attitude of “HOW am I going to do it vs. CAN I do it”.

Wes began his career working with the Taylor YMCA with over 25 years of leadership and coaching culminating in being the Director of Aquatics and Operational Support.

Wes’ involvement with Bridge II Sports began as a volunteer and competitor with the ParaKayak Club in 2013.  He is an avid paddler and expert instructor in adapted paddling and water safety.

In December of 2017 Wes joined the staff of Bridge II Sports as the Director of Programs. Since that time he has taken the reins of the department and built successful adapted sports programs across the board engaging more and more athletes, volunteers and organizations in the community.

If you have ever met Wes, you know that his true passion is coaching. Whether he is teaching kayaking on the water, working to figure out the best angle for a boccia ramp, or cycling next to a new athlete at their own pace Wes is always completely focused on the person he is with and ensuring that they have the all they need to be successful.

He goes out of his way to participate in practices, engage with athletes and their families and share his skills.  Through his consistent actions and dedication Wes is truly challenging perceptions of disability in our community.

We are honored to have him here at Bridge II Sports and wish him luck over the next several weeks as the 25 National Winners are announced.