World T.E.A.M. Sports, a national not-for-profit sports management company that creates inclusive events for disabled and able-bodied athletes, announced today the appointment of Sarah Bell as the organization’s Director of Advancement.

“World T.E.A.M. Sports is glad to welcome Sarah to our team,” said CEO and President Van Brinson. “We are going to be relying on her to expand our outreach and improve our interaction with our participants and sponsors.”

A New England native currently living in New Orleans with her husband and two dogs, Bell has extensive experience in grant writing and other fund raising activities at non-profits such as The United Way, Massachusetts General Hospital and The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care. In addition to securing grants, Bell has served as a program manager, prospect researcher, special event planner and executive assistant since 1996.

“I become connected with World T.E.A.M. Sports when a friend and colleague tapped me to volunteer at the Adventure Team Challenge in Colorado in 2013,” Bell explained. “I was struck by the camaraderie, the sense of humor, and the common goal of helping each other succeed.”

Inspired by what she saw at the Challenge, Bell offered to help at the September 2014 event, and to also assist in the organization’s fund raising efforts. Impressed with Bell’s experience, Brinson instead offered a position to create and implement the organization’s overall fundraising initiatives and to take a role in event management.

“I look forward to building a development program that engages everyone, from Board members to sponsors, staff and race participants. My goal is to secure a steady stream of funding that allows the organization to build and sustain forward momentum,” said Bell.

Growing up in coastal Maine and a frequent visitor to New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Bell is an active skier, hiker and whitewater rafter. Through her husband’s skills as a commercial deep sea diver, she also is learning to SCUBA dive.

“The sports aspect of World T.E.A.M. Sports is especially satisfying to me,” said Bell. “Having lived in flat New Orleans for the past few years, I miss that aspect of outdoor life, and am looking forward to making a few trips into the mountains this winter to regain my footing on skis and snow. I haven’t actually seen real snow since 2011!”

Logo courtesy World T.E.A.M. Sports