AMBASSADOR AND ATHLETE PROGRAM

Changing the perceptions of what is possible with a disability.

OVERVIEW

Paradox Sports is looking for adaptive athletes who are motivated to push the vertical limits in the adaptive
climbing world to join our team! Our Athletes and Ambassadors are unique role-models and spokespeople with a professional and positive attitude when addressing all Paradox Sports staff, volunteers, supporters, donors, partners and participants – we want you to be the type of role model and spokesperson with whom Paradox Sports participants and partners will be proud to be associated. This role is an ideal way to boost professional development and networks while honing in on leadership, event planning and teamwork skills.

WHO ARE OUR ATHLETES AND AMBASSADORS?

Our Athletes and Ambassadors are passionate and authentic adaptive climbers that are excited to share how Paradox Sports is transforming and communities lives through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention. Our Athletes and Ambassadors are outgoing, enthusiastic and engaged in their local communities. Our Athletes and Ambassadors increase awareness and support of Paradox Sports programs – we want you to tell people about the impact Paradox Sports is having on lives across the country.
Paradox Sports Athletes and Ambassadors serve as a local representative of Paradox Sports in their individual communities across the country – with this agreement come certain perks, and certain responsibilities. Please read the joint Expectations below, as well as the Perks and Responsibilities specific to the roles of Athlete and Ambassador.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS?

  • As an Ambassador or Athlete, you agree to support the implementation and execution of Paradox Sports mission and programs.
  • The Paradox Ambassador or Athlete position are volunteer position with a commitment of one year.
  • Applications are accepted until October 1 – November 30 annually for a Jan 1 – Dec 31 one year term.
  • As an Ambassador or Athlete, you will need to submit your required documentation annually (due December 1) to reapply.
  • You must have been a prior Paradox Sports Athlete in order to apply for an Ambassador position.
  • If you wish to terminate your Ambassadorship prior to the one year agreement, please let us know in writing as soon as possible.
  • Ambassadors or Athletes may be asked to step down at any time due to an infraction of goals, responsibilities and guidelines.
“I love the challenge that climbing brings to my life and I want to give others the opportunity to experience the challenge and the unique perspective of the outdoors that climbing provides.”
– Paradox Sports Ambassador Enock Glidden
“It is an honor to represent Paradox Sports. Many non-profit organizations for people with disabilities simply offer opportunities for athletic activities. However, Paradox Sports also teaches independence. I would compare it to the proverb of “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Paradox doesn’t just give opportunities for climbing; they teach you how to safely engage in climbing activities independently so that you can climb for a lifetime.”
– Paradox Sports Ambassador Jess Sporte

PARADOX SPORTS ATHLETE

PERKS

– You will receive one Paradox Sports t-shirt per term (year)
– Other branded merchandise (such as hats and waterbottes) depending on inventory
– We will provide you with a 18” x 18” Paradox Sports banner
Outdoor Prolink membership
Including stickers, brochures, flyers, sponsor swag, the Paradox Mile deck and an ACI Interest Packet to share far and wide!
As a key member of the Paradox Sports family, you will have opportunities to represent Paradox Sports at fundraisers and other media events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

– Effectively and professionally communicate our mission, trip details, and other program info.
– Wear a Paradox Sports hat/t-shirt/jacket while at a competition or at Paradox Sports events
– Pass out swag to others (stickers, flyers, etc)
– Spread the stoke about Paradox Sports in your community!
– Athletes will engage with others in the adaptive sports community through social media, online forums, local organizations and/or personal websites
– Athletes may be asked to assist with handwritten thank-you notes to Paradox Sports donors
– Athletes are required to contribute at least 1 blog post (~1000 words) and 3-5 relating photos per year
– Paradox Sports Social Media includes Facebook and Instagram
– Athletes are required to tag Paradox Sports and Paradox sponsors using the provided hashtags in social media posts at least 2x per month. *If you do not have a personal IG account, athletes could be asked to “take-over” Paradox Sports Instagram for 1 week during the year
– Athletes permit Paradox Sports to use your name and image in the promotion of the organization and its programming including photos of personal adventures where Paradox Sports has been tagged.
– Athletes are required to join at least 1 Paradox event throughout the year. We want you to be connected to the community! This could include: Trips, Fundraisers, Climbing Club, Trainings, and Outreach events.
– Keep us up-to-date on your trips, competition schedule/results and other activities.
– We want to hear about what you love and ideas you think would improve our programs!

PARADOX SPORTS AMBASSADOR

PERKS

– Paradox Sports will provide a limited edition Paradox Sports jacket when you join the team, unique to Ambassadors only!
– In addition, you will receive other Paradox Sports branded merchandise as available such as t-shirts, backpacks, hats, waterbottes, etc. on a yearly basis
– We will provide you with a 18” x 18” Paradox Sports banner
– We will ensure that you are provided with Paradox Sports logo for your personal website/blog.
– Paradox Sports will provide 250 customized Paradox Sports Ambassador business cards and a Paradox Sports email address
– Outdoor ProLink membership
– Our partners in the outdoor industry want to make sure you have access to the best deals around. This includes but not limited to: Outdoor Research, Osprey, Sterling Ropes, CAMP, La Sportiva and many more!
Occasionally, we have free swag from our sponsors and you will be first in line to get it!
– Your profile page on our website will feature your bio and highlights of your accomplishments.
– We will do our best to promote your adventures, results, and outings with our website, social media profiles and blog.
– Each Ambassador will be provided a Media Packet Including stickers, brochures, flyers, sponsor swag, as well as digital access to the Paradox Mile deck and an ACI Interest Packet to share far and wide!
As a key member of the Paradox Sports family, you will have opportunities to represent Paradox Sports at fundraisers and other media events.
We may require you to attend an event, but we are also giving you $250 off any one Paradox Sports trip! We value having our Ambassadors present to connect with other participants and assist our guides.
You’ll be the first to know about the happenings of Paradox Sports!

RESPONSIBILITIES

– Effectively and professionally communicate our mission, trip details, and other program info.
– Wear a Paradox Sports hat/t-shirt/jacket while at a competition or at Paradox Sports events
– Pass out swag to others (stickers, flyers, etc)
– Spread the stoke about Paradox Sports in your community!
– Ambassadors may be asked to help with Program Outreach through phone calls, sharing/hanging fliers
and connecting with other organizations.
– Ambassadors will engage with others in the adaptive sports community through social media, online
forums, local organizations and/or personal websites
– Ambassadors may be asked to assist with handwritten thank-you notes for Paradox Sportss may be asked to assist with handwritten thank-you notes to Paradox Sports donors
– Ambassadors are required to contribute at least 1 blog post (~1000 words) and 3-5 relating photos per year
– Paradox Sports Social Media includes Facebook and Instagram
– Ambassadors are required to tag Paradox Sports and Paradox sponsors using the provided hashtags in social media posts at least 2x per month. *If you do not have a personal IG account, athletes could be asked to “take-over” Paradox Sports Instagram for 1 week during the year.
– Ambassadors permit Paradox to use your name and image in the promotion of the organization and its programming including photos of personal adventures where Paradox Sports has been tagged.
Ambassadors may be asked to represent Paradox Sports in interviews or in other media events. Past media coverage was included in The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, and Patagonia.com.
– Ambassadors are required to join at least 2 Paradox event throughout the year. We want you to be connected to the community! This could include: Trips, Fundraisers, Climbing Club, Trainings, and Outreach events.
– Ambassadors are required to participate in a Paradox Mile fundraiser each year. The Paradox Mile is an easy way to help raise money and awareness about our programs – just share your individual page and
tell your story! Plus you can still reap the benefits of the Paradox Mile prizes!
– Keep us up-to-date on your trips, competition schedule/results and other activities.
– We want to hear about what you love and ideas you think would improve our programs!