Since 1985 Jim Click has been racing to support University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics. His involvement began when one of his employee's, Richard Nolen a body repairman, broke his neck in a touch football game with a group of his co-workers, leaving him a C6-7 quadriplegic. He visited Richard in the hospital assuring him he would do all he could to help him, and he did. After extensive rehabilitation in Colorado, Richard returned to the University of Arizona and began participating in adaptive athletics. Richard had a very successful athletic career in wheelchair track and road racing at the University of Arizona, and received a Master's degree in business. He works today for the Jim Click Automotive Team as the Chief Operating Officer.
To support Richard and the Adaptive Athletics program, Jim would participate in events every year, like the "Push 'n' Plod" Wheel and Jog-a-thon. through his direct involvement in adaptive sports, Jim recognized the need to grow the program and expand opportunities for competition. It was eventually decided to create an annual run, walk and wheelchair race for the Tucson community, known now as Jim Click's Run 'N' Roll. With its fast, flat, and fun course situated on the University of Arizona's beautiful campus, Jim Click's Run 'N' Roll is now considered a premier running event in Southern Arizona. This annual event has yielded necessary funds to position University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics as a national leader in wheelchair sports.
In further support of Adaptive Athletics, the Click family generously donated $750,000 in 1998 to assure the future success of the program and in recognition of that gift our space as named in their honor: The Jim and Vicki Click Adaptive Athletic Center.
With Mr. Click's support over the years, Adaptive Athletics has become a model wheelchair sports program, with 33 University of Arizona athletes representing the USA in the Paralympics and numerous collegiate championship titles. University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics is the most comprehensive program in the nation offering six competitive adaptive sports teams, and graduating student athletes each year.
We are grateful for the friendship and support of the Click family.