After an encounter with a train claimed April Holmes’ left leg, the Division I track-and-field All American at Norfolk State University, Virginia, could have given up on sports, or left college altogether. However, as she lay in her hospital bed, a doctor told her about the Paralympics, and she’s barely slowed down since. Now the women’s world-record holder for the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints in the T44 (transtibial amputation) category, Holmes spends her off-track time working to make life better for other people with disabilities through The April Holmes Foundation.
April Holmes on the track at the Beijing Paralympics.
Photograph courtesy of Randy Richardson.
On April 8, her foundation announced its latest program, a $1,000 annual scholarship program for college students with a physical disability. According to the foundation, five students will be awarded scholarships of $1,000 for the 2010-2011 academic year, with $500 applying to each semester.
“I consider it a dream come true to be able to help others with a disability to attend college,” Holmes said in a press release. “They have enough things to worry about when it comes to mobility, environmental changes, and new friends, so if my foundation can ease their concern over money, than I am pleased to have used my athletic platform for the betterment of others.”
To be eligible, applicants must have a Paralympic-eligible physical disability (amputation, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury). The completed application and required materials must be postmarked by the May 15 deadline. Scholarship winners will be notified and announced by May 28, 2010.
For more information or to download an application, visit www.aprilholmes.com
