Achilles Announces New Running Program With Visually Impaired Teenagers Of Lighthouse International
The Internationally known Achilles Track Club which has served people of all ages and disabilities for almost 25 years will formally announce a new program with Lighthouse International to provide training and running opportunities as part of a kick off event Friday evening, June 22nd at 7 p.m. for the upcoming Hope and Possibility Run Six visually impaired teenagers from Lighthouse International will meet with some of Achilles' top visually impaired athletes. The teens will get tips and inspiration from these runners in preparation for their first race, the 5th Annual Hope & Possibility 5M that will take place in Central Park on Sunday, named in honor of Achilles Board Chair, Trisha Meili.*
Achilles athletes with disabilities from the NY Chapter and other places around the country will be on hand to break into groups to talk about running, walking, using wheelchairs or other assistive devices to compete in mainstream events.
"Lighthouse International, which helps people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss, is delighted to host the kick off event for the Achilles Hope and Possibility Run. This event offers our teens and clients a chance to reach for new goals and live productively. These are the essence of the Lighthouse mission for 102 years." states Lenny Goldstein, Vice President for Career and Youth Services of Lighthouse International.
The formal program will be begin after the group briefings at approximately 7:15, and personal testimonies will be offered after brief comments by top executives from Achilles and the Lighthouse. Refreshments will be served.
The Achilles Track Club, Inc., founded in 1983 by amputee marathoner Dick Traum, is a worldwide organization that encourages people with disabilities to participate in running with the general public. Achilles provides training, encouragement, and technical expertise to disabled athletes of all abilities and ages. Runners participate with crutches, tethers for the blind, in wheelchairs, on artificial limbs and without aids. Achilles has members across the United States and in 63 countries around the world. Our signature event is the Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 Mile Run/Walk. It is a race in which able-bodied and disabled compete together. Membership in Achilles is free and includes races, coaching, workouts, team T-shirts, and our newsletter, THE ACHILLES HEEL. The Achilles Track Club is a nonprofit organization designated 501(c) 3. For more information, visit www.achillestrackclub.org
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org
*In 1989, Trisha Meili was running through Central Park when she was brutally attacked, raped, and left for dead by a group of young boys. Remaining anonymous, she became known as "The Central Park Jogger" until her book was released, 14 years later. The HOPE & POSSIBILITY was named after her book title.
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