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Note from the President!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our inaugural meeting yesterday! We had 3 athletes and about 20 volunteer guides participate in our first workout. Ellie Cox from Achilles headquarters in NYC kicked us off by sharing some inspirational experiences she's had in her 16 years of involvement with the organization. Jeff McGinnis from PA Center for Adapted Sports also joined us to speak about our partnership and joint mission to provide support and encouragement to athletes with disabilities.
 After the opening remarks, the volunteer guides and athletes partnered up and headed outside to enjoy the beautiful 70-degree weather. The workouts ranged from walking around the block to a 4-mile jog to an 8-mile fast run alongside a handcycle. The leftover volunteers went out for a scenic run along the river to get to know each other and cheer on the other athletes we saw along the course.
While the turnout may have been on the small side, I consider it a huge success. Our athlete with the handcycle had never had a partner during a ride and enjoyed the opportunity to chat and to receive encouragement along the way. Meanwhile, the volunteer was also challenged having to keep up a swift pace, especially on those down hills! Both had a blast, and without even realizing it, pushed themselves to achieve more than they would have on their own. That's what Achilles is all about!
I'm thrilled to be a part of this amazing group and excited to see how our chapter grows and strengthens over the coming months. Please spread the word about ournew Philadelphia presence. With your help, I'm sure we can continue to steadily recruit additional athletes and volunteers each week.
Our workouts are held every Tuesday at 6pm (Philadelphia Runner,1601 Sansom Street) and Saturday at 9am (CignaFitness Center,1601 Chestnut Street). Membership is free and we welcome anyone with a disability and volunteers of all fitness levels.
Hope to see you soon!
Melissa Wilcox
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