About Athletes Unlimited
Our Mission
Jeff S. Pierce, D.O. founded Athletes Unlimited in 1996 with the determination to provide an outlet where athletes with disabilities are able to participate in sports socially and competitively. Athletes Unlimited’s guiding philosophy is that life is not intended to be a spectator sport. Everyone, regardless of ability, can benefit from participating in sports. Athletes Unlimited hosts a golf outing each year to help raise money for our athletes.
We believe an annual golf event is an excellent way to unite people for a good cause regardless of age, gender, or ability. We are fortunate to have sponsors donate auction items each year to help our cause. With competitive and recreational golf opportunities, everyone has an opportunity to have a great time, meet new people, and support Athletes Unlimited. With all of our generous supporters, we were able to send many of our athletes to compete nationally.
Founders & Chairmen
Jeff S. Pierce D.O.
FounderDr. Pierce is the Medical Director of the Michigan Sports & Spine Centers. He specializes in a comprehensive treatment program for spine and musculoskeletal/joint injuries, including sports & occupational problems. His extensive training as a PMR physician has enhanced his ability to evaluate and create individualized, injury-specific rehabilitation programs. He has created through research and clinical experience, an aggressive, non-surgical comprehensive spine care program. The program includes various treatment options, such as manipulation techniques, nerve testing, physical therapy, and spinal injections under fluoroscopy. The program’s goal is for patients to return to their optimal lifestyle.
Governor Granholm recently re-appointed Dr. Pierce to his third term on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. He also leads the task force designated to create the prescription for fitness for the State of Michigan. Dr. Pierce is currently the team physician for college teams and consults for many professional teams and athletes. He authors a column in Hockey Weekly, “Ask the Doctor”, which has educated and advised the hockey community for over 3 years. He is known throughout the entertainment community as “Doc Rock,” treating entertainers who perform at local venues.
George Gervin
Co-ChairmanGeorge Gervin is a retired American professional basketball player. Gervin is widely regarded to be one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
Kris Draper
Co-ChairmanKris is a native of Toronto, Ontario. Kris was a Third Round selection of the Winnipeg Jets, 62nd overall, in 1989. Kris has played with the Red Wings since 1993, and was an integral part of Red Wing Stanley Cup Championships (1996−97, 1997 – 98, and 2001-02, 2007-08). During the Wing’s Stanley Cup run, Kris was a member of the famous “Grind Line” built on speed and grit. In 2004, Kris won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward. Kris was a member of the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team that competed in the 2006 Olympic Games (Torino).
Committee
Founder
Jeff S. Pierce, D.O.
Chairmen
Kris Draper
Detroit Red Wing
George Gervin
NBA Hall of Fame
Committee Members
Cheryl Angelelli
Nikki Braddock
Joseph Carlier
Keith Cooper
Jeff Crank
John Czarnecki
Victor Edozien
Braylon Edwards
Tony Elder
Nihada Facic
Sergei Federov
Dee Geelhound
Marin Goldberg
Hiba Hakim
Barb Herzog
Blair Ingraham
Hurie Johnson
Ammar Karana
Vladimir Konstantinov
Yolanda Koszela
Gary Kotlarz
Kerrie Macudzinski
Bryan Madison
Crystal Martin
Erin McArthur
Darren McCarty
Rich Morgan
Tom Nisun
Joe Norton
Steve Olson
Paige Pierce
Maurice Phillips Jr.
Mohammad Qazi
Cory Richards
Michael Schwartz
Michael Segal
Sonia Shah
Casey Sherwood
Dr. Robert Sims
Jeff Sirabian
Azra Sunje
Tatiana Uribe
Kevin VandenHaute
Stefan Wanczyk
Paul Whiting