Empowering Change and Advocacy Through Social Messaging

By Ana-Maria Gutierrez, Senior Communications Manager

In our diverse society, inclusivity is not merely a value but a commitment that must be consistently honored and supported. Enter the Amputee Coalition’s inaugural initiative: the 2024 National Athlete Advocate Ambassador Campaign, proudly launched in collaboration with featured athletes who are part of our community. The campaign has brought together a remarkable cohort of amputee athletes to champion disability sports access, ignite change, promote equity, and advocate for the limb loss and limb difference community through their platforms.

This new campaign was spearheaded by John Register, a decorated Gulf War Army veteran, renowned athlete, fervent advocate, and current Amputee Coalition Board Member whose unwavering dedication to the limb loss and limb difference community is truly exemplary. John’s leadership shines brightly as a four-time track and field All-American and a two-time Olympic trials qualifier, guiding a group of remarkable individuals toward a shared vision. In addition to John, let’s meet the other trailblazers representing in 2024.

Among these ambassadors is Jovan Booker, a starter for the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team and captain of the New York Metro Amputee Soccer Club. Jovan embodies resilience both on and off the pitch. He is joined by Julian Molina, the first adaptive BMX rider to compete in the X-Games Real BMX. Julian’s fearless spirit has captivated audiences worldwide, proving that limitations are often self-imposed. Also, we’re excited to have Gary Weiland, a firefighter, author, motivational speaker, and American Ninja Warrior. Gary’s journey extends beyond physical feats.

The goal of the National Athlete Advocate Ambassador Campaign is to enhance the Amputee Coalition community voice through targeted messaging collaboratively shared in unison which focuses on the limb loss and/or limb difference community. These dedicated athletes turned advocates, are poised to drive meaningful change.

The National Athlete Advocate Ambassadors, having contributed to the Amputee Coalition in various capacities, are united by a shared commitment to advance the rights and representation of those impacted by limb loss and limb difference. Their contributions to this program reflect a dedication to a cause larger than themselves.

The campaign leverages the ambassador’s social media platforms to disseminate targeted messages throughout 2024. Embracing themes of disability rights, inclusion, and equity, their collective efforts aim to foster understanding and support within the broader community.

Like thousands nationwide, the athlete ambassadors will lean into messaging specific to April’s Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM), elevating the progress in disability rights, workforce development, and the youth development pipeline. They seek to forge connections and inspire hope among those who may feel isolated.

The power of storytelling lies at the heart of this campaign. By sharing their individual experiences and triumphs, they pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Using their voices, they empower others. Stay updated with the campaign and each athlete by following them on their social media channels, as well as all Amputee Coalition platforms.

Learn More about the 2024 National Athlete Advocate Ambassadors

Jovan Booker

Jovan Booker was named 2022 Sports Person of the Year by the Suffolk Times, a starter for the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team, and a competitor in the Turkey World Cup. Jovan is the Captain of the New York Metro Amputee Soccer Club. He has scored multiple goals over 30+ international caps and is a leader in advocating for disability sports access, equity, and inclusion on and off the pitch. Jovan is also a regional director and player with Amp 1 and a business coordinator at LimbPossible. Follow him on Instagram (@jovanbookerathlete).

Julian Molina

His motto, “If you dream something, you do it,” has made him unstoppable in his pursuits. The first adaptive BMX rider to compete in the X-Games Real BMX, Julian was voted the 2020 Fan Favorite winner. Serving as a true inspiration to everyone he meets, Julian values his friendships over everything else. As a result, he has been blessed with an endless supply of love and support in the BMX community and beyond. F ind Julian on Instagram (@julianmolina_bmx).

Gary Weiland

After losing his leg in 2018, firefighter Gary Weiland did the impossible and went back to work ten months and six days after his amputation. Since his surgery, he has become an author, motivational speaker, amputee, Ninja Warrior, and a member of multiple USA Para teams, including the 2023 U.S. Para Bobsled Push Division National Champion. As a motivational speaker with a motto of Adapt and Overcome” Gary shares a message applicable to anyone from school-age children to world leaders. Gary inspires with his story of perseverance, faith, and determination. His experiences and perspective are perfect examples of how to turn tragedy into opportunity. Gary authored the children’s book series Fischer’s Accident, which is a story about overcoming adversity. Hailing from Andes, Colombia, Julian has been inspiring the world through.

John Register

John Register became a board member of the Amputee Coalition in January of 2018, bringing not only his personal experiences living with limb loss but also a passion for empowering the community to share their stories and enhance perception, policy, and passion. He has appeared on national television, counseled U.S. Secretaries of State on Disability Foreign Policy, and is a well-respected public speaker and coach. He founded the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program helping wounded, ill, and injured service members use sport as a tool for their rehabilitation and is Associate Director of the U.S. Paralympics. He wrote a book during the Pandemic entitled, 10 Power Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success, where he challenges readers to develop stories that will lead them better through change. John is married to Alice, and the couple have two children and a 10 of grandchildren. Find John on Instagram (@johnfregister).