A Message from the President |
On July 26th, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. This provided me with an opportunity to speak publicly about some of the changes that have taken place during the past two decades as related to Achilles. Three were of particular interest... Read more...
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Freedom Team & Marathon Tour |
Marathon Tour Achilles Freedom Team members Luke Murphy, Lanny Carrero and Anthony Radetic competed in the Tamarindo Beach Marathon in Costa Rica on September 11th. We were thrilled that our team claimed the top three spots in the wheelchair division. This Costa Rica trip was sponsored by the Globetrotter program, under the direction of Charles Klotsche, who also joined the group. The tropical paradise was enjoyed by all. Read more.... |
2010 Hope & Possibility 5 Miler
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Record Turnout at the H&P! 5,500 athletes with and without disabilities participated in the 8th Annual Hope & Possibility 5 Mile Race on June 27. The record-high turn-out and sunny skies made for an exciting and celebratory day. The race's founder Trisha Meili was joined by Bob Woodruff, Heather Mills, Cindy and Meghan McCain, and New York State Governor David Paterson at the event inspired by her best-selling memoir: I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope & Possibility.
There was a noticeable increase in flashbulbs at this year's race - and the brightness was centered on one very high profile guide - Prince Harry! The Prince was in Central Park as part of his mission to strengthen relationships between British and American service men and women. He was introduced to 34 members of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans before the race, taking time to shake everyone's hand and listen to their stories. The many media outlets that covered the event captured Prince Harry's genuine concern for everyone he met. Read more....
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NYC Chapter
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Triathlon Team
In the early hours of the morning 60 para-athletes and over 3,000 able-bodied athletes waited to jump into the frigid waters of the Mighty Hudson River to swim 1500m, before biking 40k along Manhattan's West Side highway, and completing a 10k run through Central Park. In this treacherous course experienced Achilles athlete Ricardo Corral finished in a remarkable time of 3:10, assisted by handlers Nina Delgado and Kat Bateman. A handful of Achilles athletes and volunteers participated in the 10th annual event wearing different but equally notable hats. Athlete Jack Chen and guide Stephen Zink finished the race despite a derailed bike on km 20. Nick Roumanada finished his first triathlon assisted by handler Richard Olson. Robin Stringer guided a visiting blind athlete to help set a record of visually impaired athletes participating in the NYC Tri. Go Team! Go Achilles! Read more...
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Achilles Kids - Kids Korner |
Achilles Kids Weekend Program
Summer heat did not deter members of the Achilles Kids weekend program who worked as hard - and had as much fun - as ever! We spent the warm months working out in the JCC, competing in Central Park, and attending Yankees games in the Bronx. The highlight of every summer is the Hope & Possibility Kids Fun Run. After a year of training, Achilles Kids are excited to display their speed and endurance and really enjoy the boisterous crowd support. The medals are cherished mementos - and many wear them long after they have crossing the finish line. The kids completed two challenging Boot Camps (led by drill sergeant Janet!) that worked all of their muscles and left them exhausted but super proud. Other workouts celebrated summer vacation plans, Independence Day, and fun birthdays (especially the birthday of Achilles Kids). Read more.....
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