Matt Edens Named to Dixie Wheelchair Athletic Association Hall of Fame

Matt Edens, sports teams coordinator at Shepherd Center, was recently inducted into the Dixie Wheelchair Hall of Fame for his contributions to organizing wheelchair sports. The Dixie Wheelchair Athletic Association recognizes individuals who are dedicated to supporting competitive sport opportunities for athletes with physical or visual disabilities within the Dixie Region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Edens has worked at Shepherd Center for 15 years – five years as an inpatient/day program recreation therapist and 10 years as sports teams coordinator. Edens coordinates Shepherd Center's 11 sports teams with more than 100 athletes participating in Shepherd’s team practices. Shepherd Center athletes have won national and international competitions, with several athletes holding world records. More than 20 athletes from Shepherd Center have qualified to represent the United States in their sports during the past several Paralympic games.