Meet a Champion: Thomas
Thomas is a natural athlete with a competitive spirit and a love for being part of a team. As a left below-elbow amputee, he once felt limited at the plate—restricted to bunting or simply watching pitches go by. But after receiving a custom baseball prosthetic from Syracuse Prosthetic Orthotic Center the Challenged Champions Fund, everything changed. “I was swinging a baseball bat and golf club like any other person could,” Thomas shares.
The first time he made contact and hit the ball to the outfield during a game was a turning point. It wasn’t just a base hit—it was a moment of belonging and pride. “Such a generic play meant so much to me!”
Thomas brings that same energy to every team he’s on, crediting sports with helping shape his identity and confidence. “Nothing feels better than when a team clicks and builds off of each other to make something great.”
Inspired by his brother Cooper’s dedication to fitness, Thomas pushes himself daily. His current goal? Earning a spot on his high school’s Varsity Soccer Team, where nearly 30 players are vying for just 11 spots.
With strength, humility, and heart, Thomas is the kind of teammate—and champion—we’re proud to stand behind.
Syracuse Prosthetic Orthotic Center is proud to announce the return of its annual Challenged Champions Golf Tournament, a community-driven event dedicated to empowering disabled athletes through sport. Scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at Orchard Vali Golf Club, this tournament aims to raise funds to support athletes with physical disabilities in pursuing their athletic dreams.
Supporting Adaptive Athletes
The Challenged Champions initiative provides essential resources such as prosthetic limbs for athletes with physical disabilities. By participating in the tournament, donors and sponsors help break down barriers, enabling these athletes to compete and thrive in their chosen sports.
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Location: Orchard Vali Golf Club
Registration: 9:30 AM
Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM
Entry Fee: $135 per individual or $500 per foursome (includes lunch, cart, green fees, and dinner)
Participants can look forward to a day of camaraderie, golf, and giving back to a meaningful cause.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Various sponsorship levels are available, offering businesses and individuals the chance to contribute to this noble cause while gaining recognition:
Platinum Sponsor ($1,500): Includes one foursome, two hole signs, recognition at the tournament dinner, and prominent display of company name and logo in program and marketing materials.
Gold Sponsor ($1,000): Includes one foursome, two hole signs, recognition in the program, and company name and logo in program.
Silver Sponsor ($750): Includes one foursome, one hole sign, and recognition at the tournament dinner.
Bronze Sponsor ($500): Includes two hole signs, recognition in the program, and company name and logo in program.
Dinner Sponsor ($2,500): Includes one foursome, one hole sign, recognition greeting by company representative at dinner, and recognition in the program.
Hole Sponsor ($200): Company name and logo displayed at a hole and recognition in the program.
Practice Green Sponsor ($500): Company name and logo displayed on the practice green and recognition in the program.
Your sponsorship will directly impact the lives of disabled athletes, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Join Us
Whether you're an avid golfer, a local business owner, or someone passionate about supporting adaptive sports, your participation in the Challenged Champions Golf Tournament makes a difference. Together, we can champion the dreams of these incredible athletes.
For more information, registration, or to become a sponsor, please visit the Challenged Champions Golf Tournament page.
Let's tee off for a cause and make a lasting impact in our community!
