Bio

Kelly Behlmann, RPT is a Registered Physical Therapist and graduated from Maryville University. Kelly has an eighteen year old daughter Alex and a four year old adopted son, Kyle. Kelly also considers the 450 plus DASA Athlete's as her kids.

In 1997, Kelly gave physical therapy to children. The physical therapy focused on the child's disability. Kelly dreamed of switching that focus to the ability each child has. In the middle of the night the dream came to Kelly and she founded the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA). The dream of DASA has gone far beyond anything Kelly could have imagined. The main goals of DASA were to introduce children with physical or visual disabilities, whom are cognitively age appropriate, to sports that will provide them with exercise and physical fitness, confidence, and the meaning of team.

At the 2002 Salt Lake City Paralympics, the USA National Sled Team won their first ever Gold Medal in Sledge Hockey. That summer, USA Hockey was offering a sled hockey clinic in Nashville which Kelly decided to attend. Not knowing much about hockey let alone sled hockey, Kelly was put into a sled. Players from the USA National Team worked with Kelly on the fundamentals of the game. At the conclusion of the clinic Kelly knew that DASA had to start up a sled hockey program in St Louis.

With the help of friends, DASA registered with USA Hockey as only the thirteenth disabled sled hockey program in the country. The St. Louis Blues and Alumni helped with donations and in October of 2002 the DASA - St. Louis Blues Sled Hockey Program was born. What began as a youth program has grown into one of the premier adult sled hockey programs in the country. St Louis Sled Hockey Accomplishments:

2006 DASA - St Louis Jr. Blues Youth Division, Sled National Champions

2012 DASA - St Louis Blues, Tier II Adult Sled National Champions

2013 DASA - St Louis Blues, Tier I Adult Sled National Champions

Player Development: 2004 - 2005 - Scott Brandon/Goalie, USA National Sled Team

2005 - Current - Steve Cash/Goalie, USA National Sled Team Accomplishments:

2010 Vancouver Paralympic Gold Medalist

2009 & 2010 IPC World Sledge Championships Gold Medalist

2010 ESPY Award, Best Male Athlete with a Disablity

2009 USA Paralympic Sportsman of the Year

2006 - 2009 - Sean Stueve/Forward, USA National Development Team

2012 - Current - Josh Pauls/Forward, USA National Team 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Gold Medalist 2012 - Current - Billy Hanning/Defenseman, USA National Team The most important accomplishment of DASA is giving disabled children the opportunity to be involved in either recreational or competitive programs. This creates a stronger, healthier and more confident individual.

Today DASA is an Official USA Paralympic Sport Program. Our athletes compete regionally, nationally and internationally striving for making USA National Paralympic Teams. Sled Hockey is only a part of the programs at DASA. Other sports included National Championship is Power Soccer, Swimming, Track & Field, Mike Bush Fantasy Baseball Camp and more.

As you can see from the great accomplishments the St Louis Blues Sled Hockey Program has made in a short ten years, everyone has a Ability. Without the help and support of volunteers, corporate donations and the St Louis Hockey Community DASA Sled Hockey would not be possible.

Thank you for this Wonderful Honor.