33 | Shaping Lives Through Sport: Advocating for Special Needs Athletes

We are taking a break from pantry purging and closet cleaning to talk with the amazing Tony Vlahovic, a man who wears many hats - coach, rehab therapist, author - with an unwavering dedication to advocate for individuals with special needs. As a child, Tony quickly learned to see individuals for who they are, not their conditions. A powerful lesson that stuck with him throughout his life, shaping him into who he is today. Join us as Tony shares his incredible journey from a childhood spent in an inclusive neighborhood, to his work with special needs athletes today.

Tony's story is one of resilience, determination, and love for baseball. A love he utilized to establish a nonprofit organization, BaseABLE, dedicated to uplifting athletes with special needs. Listen to Tony as he recounts the heartwarming reactions his athletes experience when they step out into the public and his ongoing efforts to promote disability awareness and inclusion.

This episode shines a light on the incredible potential we all possess to effect change in our communities, firmly believing that kindness and inclusivity can indeed be a family legacy. Tune in to be inspired by Tony's passion for making a difference in the lives of those with special needs.

Tony Vlahovic, MA. CSCS, is a former professional athlete and experienced entrepreneur in the fields of sports mental conditioning and post rehabilitation therapy. He is the Chairman of the Special Olympics Baseball Development Committee.

Mr. Vlahovic started his professional baseball career in Italy where he was named his team’s Rookie of the Year. Upon returning to the United States he signed with the Boston Red Sox where he played as a left-handed pitcher. His career prematurely ended due to an auto accident, but has since dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and leading his athletes on and off the field. His efforts were rewarded by receiving Coach of the Year five times for his New Hope-Solebury varsity high school baseball team and was nominated as the Special Olympics North American Coach of the Year in 2014.

Special Olympics New Jersey set an unprecedented standard in the initiation of baseball and Vlahovic was the man for the job. His technical knowledge and passion for the sport of baseball makes him a natural leader, but his real motivation was to offer an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to play baseball.

Mr Vlahovic continues his quest to serve others by starting BaseABLE, a recognized non-profit organization that supports and funds organizations wanting to offer baseball to individuals with disabilities. He has worked in the rehabilitation and health fields for over thirty years and continues to learn and grow as a health professional and coach.

How to find Tony and support BaseABLE:

BaseABLE:

Website: https://www.baseable.org/

X: https://twitter.com/Base_able

Instagram: @base_able

Tony:

Instagram: @tonyvlahovic

X: @tvlahovic52

LinkedIn: Tony

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