Freedom Divers International was founded in February 2010 by Kurt Clifton and is a 501c3 not for profit organization. We are dedicated to enhancing the physical, as well as the mental well being of wounded soldiers, disabled persons, and their families, We work to develop an outlet for family bonding, by providing the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the weightlessness of our underwater world, and the freedom this allows those with disabilities to interact with others in a way they may have never had otherwise. Our purpose is to provide a constant in training for scuba diving for persons with disabilities. Our programs are designed to work with any of the internationally recognized recreational scuba diving training agencies and their material. It is the "We Leave No One Behind" attitude, and our strong professional style that we believe will allow our programs to show others that diving can be a great physical as well as therapeutic source to help others gain the confidence they will need to succeed in their life and future endeavours.
Freedom Divers International
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276 North Cross Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
Phone: 815-528-7753
Email: info@freedomdiversinternational.org
If you would like to make a donation, you can click on the PayPal logo below. When donating for Veterans Blade Consortium add a note, or email a short message to designate funds to VBC, or send your donation to the address above.
Board Members
Kurt is the founder of Freedom Divers International. He has been working with disabled persons since 1996, and is a Instructor Trainer for the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD), Disabled Divers International (DDI), National Association of Underwater Instructor (NAUI), and National Association of Scuba Educators (NASE). Kurt is also the CEO/President of Clifton Diving Ventures Inc. since 1983.
KAREN CLIFTON Vice President/Director of Training
Karen has been teaching scuba diving since 1982 and is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, and Instructor with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD), Disabled Divers International (DDI), Karen is also a Nationally & State Certified Paramedic/Police Officer with Northern Illinois University Department of Public Safety.
DUKE HARRIS Secratary
Duke is the First Assistant State's Attorney for Champaign County, IL and is a Certified Rescue Diver working on his Divemaster. Duke has been diving for over 10 years, and helped in forming the Freedom Divers organization.
MARY JO SPARTZ Treasurer
Mary Jo is a graduate of Northern Illinois University College of Engineering Technology, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Arts and Technology. She has extensive professional training in project management and team leadership as well as versatile software skills including creative, internet, and application programs. Her diving experience started with her PADI certification through Northern Illinois University in the late 80’s. She loved diving so much that she continued and became a Divemaster. Mary Jo currently resides in the Naples, Florida and enjoys riding her motorcycle, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving with her family.
CLARK JOHNSON Board Member/Divemaster
Clark has been diving since 1986, and completed his NAUI Divemaster course in 2011. Clark is a Special Operations Group officer as well as a Underwater Crime Scene Investigator with the Aurora, IL Police Department.
JORDAN CLIFTON Board Member/IT Support
Jordan has been diving for over 10 years, and is the go to person for our IT support and office needs.
