What We’re About
Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005.
The only adaptive sports club in Central Virginia and one of the top Paralympic sport clubs in the country, Sportable provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes each year by offering a variety of competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs.
Our athletes are all ages, come from different backgrounds, and have varying abilities.
By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, we transform the lives of our athletes and free them to see beyond their disability, enhance their peer relationships and help them to reach their personal finish line.
Our Brand Pillars
- Freeing our athletes to see beyond their disabilities.
- Building peer relationships & reducing social isolation.
- Facilitating physical & attitudinal change in our community.
The Sportable Way
Since 2005, Sportable has been providing sport and recreational opportunities to those with physical and visual disabilities throughout central Virginia. During that time we have executed thousands of program hours, purchased and provided adaptive sports equipment for hundreds of athletes, and created community partnerships that have enhanced the lives of those with physical and visual disabilities living in our community.
The reason for our success is simple – our people. Our staff, volunteers, and coaches genuinely care for our athletes and are committed to our mission of transforming the lives of our athletes through sport. They push our athletes to see past their disability. They push our athletes to achieve new heights. They create community within their programs and foster environments where lifelong relationships are formed.
Our people embody what we have come to call The Sportable Way. We define The Sportable Way as “enthusiasm with intention” and it is guided by our core values:
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Integrity
Being true to our word and honoring commitments to athletes, partners, and community
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Team Spirit
The expectation that our community will enjoy a sport for its own sake, while upholding the highest standard of fairness, respect, and camaraderie icon-ingenuity
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Passion
Committing to work hard, stay positive, and encourage success in others icon-teamwork
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Ingenuity
Fostering an environment where athletes and volunteers are able to reach their full potential
Our Team
Hunter Leemon
Executive Director
How long have you been with Sportable? Since 2014
Hometown: Lawrenceville, VA
Family: Dee Dee (wife), Oscar (son), Romeo and Ky Ky (kitties)
Hobbies: Cycling, reading, watching sports, going to the James River, board games, guessing values on Antique Roadshow
How did you get involved with Sportable? Hunter was introduced to Sportable when he volunteered to lead the Power Soccer team in 2009 – that began a love affair with the organization that carried him to his current position. Hunter has a passion for sports and the city of Richmond, and he strongly believes that both communities are enhanced by the Sportable team, including athletes, volunteers, staff, board, and supporters. He leads the entire organization on a mission to tell the story of Sportable and create a greater impact in Richmond and beyond.
Contact at: hunter@sportable.org
Cindy Schmitt
Development Director
How long have you been with Sportable: November 2019
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Family: Dan (husband), Jackson (son), Cooper (dog)
Hobbies: Running, Skiing, Biking, Traveling and spending time with family
How did you get involved with Sportable? I first heard of Sportable when I moved to Richmond from Austin, TX in 2011. I remember being so impressed with how it started and how dedicated everyone involved with the organization was – including several of my close friends and colleagues. I am grateful to be part of the team now!
Contact at: cindy@sportable.org
Shelley Sowers
Athletic Director
How long have you been with Sportable: Since July 2019
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Sascha (husband), Lasse (son)
Hobbies: I love to travel whenever I can
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was first introduced to Sportable in 2005 through Power Soccer and have followed the success and growth of the organization ever since then. My background in sports management and desire to make an impact in the community made a full-time position at Sportable the perfect fit. I am honored to work alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and athletes and am excited to continue to create opportunities throughout Central Virginia.
Contact at: shelley@sportable.org
Josh Sloan
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
How long have you been with Sportable: Since November 2017
Hometown: Enon, VA
Hobbies: Outdoor sports, Wheelchair rugby, Hanging with my cat, Movies, Books, Nature
How did you get involved with Sportable? I have been an athlete with Sportable since April of 2014. The access Sportable provides me to competitive sport, outdoor activities, and active exercise is central to why I find my life so fulfilling. I am able to cycle, kayak, row, and play rugby on a regular basis throughout the year thanks to the Sportable community.
Given my passion for what Sportable does, my role as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator is a perfect fit. I get to share the Sportable Story with the central Virginia community. By sharing the stories of our athletes and advocating for people with disabilities, I raise awareness and get new people involved with our organization.
Contact at: josh@sportable.org
Wendy Bondeson
Development & Operations Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: Since August of 2015
Hometown: Portland, ME
Family: Mark (husband), Cody and Elijah (sons), Maggie (dog)
Hobbies: Watching baseball and Wheelchair basketball, Walking and Card games
How did you get involved with Sportable? My son Elijah plays wheelchair basketball. We were wanting to move, but not take basketball away from him. We did a Google search of adaptive sports clubs so that he could continue to play basketball and Sportable was it!!
Contact at: wendy@sportable.org
Bill Ramsey
Director of Finance
How long have you been with Sportable? Since Summer of 2010.
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Family: 3 grown children and 1 grandchild
Hobbies: Handcycling
How did you get involved with Sportable? As an athlete in Summer 2010 participating in tennis. I became a Board member in 2011 and served as Treasurer until resignation in July 2013, when I was hired as an employee in the position of Director of Finance.
Contact at: bill@sportable.org
Forrest Lodge
Program Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: Since January 4, 2016
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Hobbies: Staying active through sports. I grew up playing baseball and basketball. My favorite teams are VCU Basketball, the New York Yankees, Manchester United, and the New York Knicks. I enjoy spending time with friends in the city (RVA), catching live music, visiting breweries, watching sports, etc.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was introduced to Sportable while I was a graduate student in the Center for Sport Leadership program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I started volunteering for Sportable’s Power Soccer program and quickly felt a connection to Sportable’s mission of creating opportunities and transforming lives. I couldn’t be happier to be working for this awesome organization today!
Contact at: forrest@sportable.org
Kyle Hitzelberg
Program Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: Since February of 2019
Hometown: Catlett, VA
Family: Marissa (wife), Tummy and Dot (dogs)
Hobbies: Reading nerdy books, playing video games, sometimes competing in powerlifting meets, playing with my puppies, working on the house, hiking in the great outdoors, drawing comic book characters, hanging out with friends and rec sports.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I learned about Sportable when I was working at the YMCA. A really great person who was/is my mentor from the Y told me about the organization. At the time I was back in school for Recreational Therapy (graduated and certified, woot!) and wanted to be part of providing adaptive sports, recreational and competitive. During my final semester, I was able to intern at Sportable and got to help with many of the program offerings plus meet a ton of great athletes and volunteers.
Contact at: kyle@sportable.org
Our Board
Dale Ennis
Chair
Client Executive
at VMWARE
Dale Ennis
Chair
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Family: Wife – Kim; Children – Caroline and Sally
Hobbies: Tennis, Squash and Hunting
How did you get involved with Sportable? I got invited by a board member to attend the annual Tailgate party. I was later asked to volunteer with tennis. I was later invited to join the board and currently serve as Chairman.
Scott Golden
Vice Chair
Director, Corporate Communcations
at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Scott Golden
Vice Chair
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Wife – Jennifer; Children – Jonathan, Alex; Dogs: Quinn, Huckleberry
Hobbies: Outdoor activities (hiking, camping, etc.), Enjoying live music, Cooking, Guitar/Banjo
How did you get involved with Sportable? I’ve been involved with Sportable since the organization started. Through my role at Anthem, I led the effort to have Anthem become one of Sportable’s first corporate funders. I have since been actively involved by continuing to fund and providing advice/consultation to the organization through its growth up to the present.
Jeremy Ball
Secretary
Partner
at Williams Mullen
Jeremy Ball
Secretary
Hometown: Kirksville, MO
Family: Wife – Leah; Children – Julia and Jack
Hobbies: Hiking, Tennis, Music, and Reading
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was introduced to Sportable by a longtime supporter and former chair of the board of directors. After attending a couple of Sportable events, meeting some of the athletes, and meeting with Hunter Leemon, the Executive Director, I fell in love with the mission of Sportable and its visible and life-altering impact on individuals in the Richmond community.
Missy Bass
Production Manager
at C&F Mortgage Corporation
Missy Bass
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Family: Nieces and Nephews
Hobbies: Traveling, Going to see Widespread Panic with my people and Retail Therapy.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I went to a few events with my dear college friend, Hunter Leemon, and was truly inspired by the athletes. Their determination is simply amazing and it’s hard to not want to be a part of it.
Robert L. Cowgill
Richmond Regional President
at South State Bank
Robert L. Cowgill
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Family: Wife – Julia; Children – Ben, Mary Ellen, Margaret
Hobbies: Golf, Squash, and helping coach children’s sports
How did you get involved with Sportable? I’ve always enjoyed athletics and as a young adult, I had a friend who was injured in a car accident and paralyzed from the waist down. He had been an avid soccer player, and I wish there had been an organization like Sportable in my community at the time that would have provided an outlet for him to continue his athletic endeavors. When I learned about Sportable in the community, I was immediately drawn to it.
Chad A. Dally
Senior Vice President - Middle Market Team Lead
at TD Bank
Chad A. Dally
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Family: Carter (spouse); Magnolia and Heath (children)
Hobbies: Golf, Mountain Biking, Home Remodeling
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was connected to Sportable through corporate volunteerism. Once becoming a supporter and seeing the impact the organization had on the lives of athletes, I became passionate about the cause. I look forward to helping shape the future strategy of the organization.
Wayne Duman
Vice President, Financial Management
at Dominion
Wayne Duman
Hometown: Johnston, PA
Family: Wife, 2 Daughters, 4 Granddaughters and 1 Grandson
Hobbies: Pitt Panther football games and spending time with my grandchildren.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I learned of Sportable through a colleague at work, and was impressed by the passion of its leadership and the mission of the organization.
Dohn Guyer
Sr Manager Financial Technology
at CarMax
Dohn Guyer
Hometown: State College, PA
Family: Wife – Bina; Children – Nicholas, Matthew and Michael; Dog – Toby
Hobbies: Cycling, Photography, DIY
How did you get involved with Sportable? I first came to Sportable as part of a CarMax Team builder event. I immediately fell in love with the mission and followed that up by volunteering for cycling and a few other events.
Gray McDermid
at Community Supporter
J.C. Poma
Sports Development Manager
at Richmond Region Tourism
Zach Smith
CEO
at PartnerMD
Zach Smith
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Family: Wife – Niki; Daughter – Gracie
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Tennis, Golf, and Boating
How did you get involved with Sportable? A previous board member introduced me to the organization. I became excited after I met Hunter, and learned more about the Sportable mission and purpose.
Kelly Sydnor
President/Founder
at Roll with Cole, NFP
Kelly Sydnor
Hometown: Grew up all over as an Air Force dependent – no hometown
Family: Husband – Clement, my husband; Children – Quint and Cole; Dog – Kenai
Hobbies: Do-it-yourself repair and projects, spending time on the water with friends and family, fundraising, researching, writing, YouTubing, raising awareness on life after spinal cord injury.
How did you get involved with Sportable? Sportable was recommended to us by the Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation center in Atlanta where my son, Cole, recovered after suffering a spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed from the chest down at the age of 16. As an accomplished athlete with D-1 prospects, imagining a future without participating in sports was particularly brutal. Cole began his career with Sportable as a wheelchair basketball coach, first, and transitioned to athlete with the new quad rugby program.
I, as a mom, have been volunteering, cheering, encouraging, supporting, chauffeuring, and sideline coaching (much to Cole’s chagrin) ever since he began coaching. I joined the board a year and a half ago to offer my unbridled passion to an organization that truly creates opportunities and changes lives.
Christie Wilson
Middle School Director of Student Life, Math teacher
at St. Christopher's School
Christie Wilson
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Husband – Ben, Children – Tate and Tucker, Dog – Annabelle
Hobbies: I love that I get to spend time watching my boys do the things they love from choir and strings concerts to baseball games and swim meets. Other than that… I do love to shop!
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was fortunate to learn more about Sportable through Hunter Leemon and began by helping to organize the tailgate.
Thomas Winston
Senior Vice President
at Atlantic Union Bank
Thomas Winston
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Daughters – Kate and Dabney
Hobbies: Anything that involves the outdoors (golf, hiking, etc)
How did you get involved with Sportable? I’ve known Hunter for the better part of 10 years (through various friends and recreational softball leagues). When Hunter became the Executive Director of Sportable, he approached me about getting involved with the organization since 2014. I’ll admit, I jumped in blindly to Sportable (given Hunter’s passion for the organization) but I’ve not looked back since. Sportable has been an organization in which I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors and I’m proud to volunteer in various training teams for our athletes.
Scott Whitehead
Director of Underwriting and Production
at Markel
Scott Whitehead
Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
Family: Wife – Kate, Children – Ellie and James
Hobbies: Snow skiing, Boating, Water sports, and Watching live music
How did you get involved with Sportable? When you find a local team of wonderful people who are obsessed with helping children, adults and veterans improve their lives through sports, how do you not fall in love with it?