Extent:
5 Linear Feet
(5 linear feet) and 2 oversize folders
Collection Number: RBRL393
Repository:
Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: Douglas Richard Hatch is a retired math teacher and disability rights advocate. He was selected to carry the Olympic torch through Athens, GA in the lead-up to the 1996 Atlanta Games. He was also an organizer for the 1996 Paralympic Games torch relay and was part of the Paralympics Speaker's Bureau. This collection documents his disability work at UGA and his work with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Douglas Richard Hatch was born March 29, 1948 in Washington D.C. He is a retired math teacher and disability activist known for promoting disability athletics. He currently resides in Watkinsville, GA.
During the 1980's Mr. Hatch worked for the Office to Promote Independance of Disabled Students (OPIDS) at UGA. In 1993 he organized a wheelchair race during the annual Athens Twilight Criterium to raise awareness of disability athletics.
Hatch was selected as one of the torch bearers for the 1996 Atlanta Games, carrying the Olympic torch through Athens, GA on July 15, 1996. During the '96 Paralympic Games, Hatch worked with the Athens-Clarke County organizing committee for the Paralympic Torch Relay. He was also part of the Speakers Bureau, which gave information about the Paralympic Games to the public and various media outlets.
The collection contains material from Doug Hatch's disability work at UGA as well as information about his activities with the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The records document Hatch's involvement in planning the Athens Twilight Wheelers Race, his selection as an Olympic torchbearer, and his volunteer positions with the Atlanta Paralympic Games. The collection includes photographs, newspaper clippings, planning notes, correspondence, and presentation materials. There are detailed notes and maps for the Paralympic Torch Relay route and various promotional media such as flyers, brochures, and posters. The collection also contains issues of SportsN' Spokes.
This collection is arranged in three series:
Series 1 contains manuscripts and memorabilia from the 1996 Olympics and Paralympics Games
Series 2 contains audiovisual recordings
Series 3 is an addition of new material to this collection added in December 2023, which includes additional files on the Paralympics, a run of Sports N Spokes magazines, and a report on statewide implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Boxes 1-2 are arranged alphabetically. Boxes 3-5 are arranged by magazine volume and number.
Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding Aid prepared by Anna Harris, Rob MacGregor, & Jessica Wylie, 2019-30-08.
