After representing Team USA in sailing at the 2016 Paralympic Games, Kendell is using his experience to compete and inspire through adaptive sports
For Brad Kendell, sports have been a constant through some of the most difficult and defining moments of his life. The Clearwater native grew up sailing and was introduced to the sport at just 6 years old. Years later, sailing would help him find a path forward after a tragedy that changed his life.
In 2003, Kendell was involved in a plane crash in a Clearwater neighborhood that killed his father, Bruce Kendell, and his flight instructor and friend, Daniel Griffith Jr. Kendell survived the crash but lost both his legs.
Kendell returned to sailing two years later in 2005, embracing the sport that had been a part of his life since childhood and one that connected him to his father, an accomplished sailor and longtime member of the Clearwater Yacht Club. More than a decade later, Kendell reached one of the highest levels of competition in the sport.
From Tragedy to the Paralympic Games
In 2016, Kendell represented Team USA at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, competing in the sport's Sonar class. Kendell and teammates Rick Doerr and Hugh Freund captured the silver medal in the final race, placing Kendell on the Paralympic podium while honoring his father.
"It's one of the most amazing accomplishments ever in my life outside of my daughter," said Kendell. "To represent the United States on the world's biggest stage, I'm very proud of it."
The Rio Games were particularly meaningful because sailing would not be included in the Paralympic program beginning with the 2020 Games in Tokyo. For Kendell and his teammates, Rio represented their opportunity to compete for a Paralympic medal in the sport they loved.
Now Kendell is beginning a new chapter closer to home.
A new chapter with Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports
Kendell has recently joined Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports program, bringing his experience as a Paralympian to two local teams. Kendell is playing his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team. Earlier this year, he completed his first season with the Tampa Bay Strong Dogs Wheelchair Basketball Team.
Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports program provides recreational and competitive opportunities for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for athletes to participate, develop skills, build relationships, and compete. For Kendell, joining the program has allowed him to compete with other people with disabilities who share a passion for sports.
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football team welcomed me with open arms," Kendell said. "Having the Paralympic background, it brings experience and hopefully, with time, leadership to the team."
More than competition
For Kendell, adaptive sports are about more than just winning games. The silver medalist highlights the importance of giving kids and young adults the opportunity to discover that they can continue to play sports despite a disability.
"Adaptive sports are very important," Kendell said. "For anyone interested in adaptive sports, come try them out. Programs like this can show kids what's possible despite their disability."
Kendell's silver medal remains a symbol of what he accomplished on the international stage. By participating in Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports program, Kendell is helping to build a community where athletes with disabilities can compete, connect, and discover what's possible.
His journey is a story of perseverance, something he hopes everyone can learn from.
"My main message is, it's all about finding different ways to do things," Kendell said. "Finding a different way around. We sometimes take for granted all these small things in life."
Learn more about Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports program, including all the year-round sports available that promote activity and healthy lifestyles by visiting HCFL.gov/Adaptive.