Achilles Around the World
Our chapters across the globe were busy this summer making sure their communities stayed active and connected after a year of isolation.
NATIONAL
Houston
Thanks to the generosity of the Moody Foundation, our Houston chapter was able to launch new summer programming, provide the most robust opportunities possible and have an even greater impact on local athletes living with disabilities!
Long Island
Achilles Long Island ran their first race as a team on July 18 at the Heart & Soul 5K, which was also many of the athletes’ first time racing ever! They then challenged Achilles Kansas City to a fun, friendly, and fit Strava challenge to see which chapter could log the most minutes/mileage of exercise through the month of August.
Utah
Though the pandemic may have cancelled many endurance events last year, Achilles Utah found a creative way to keep members engaged. The team is training for their inaugural Rise, Ride & Run, a 365-mile, five day tandem bike ride from Salt Lake City to the St George Marathon on October 2! Learn more and help support Achilles Utah here.
INTERNATIONAL
Mongolia
Achilles International Mongolia is working with the National Park in UlaanBaatar to build an accessible clubhouse. Many members of the chapter live near the poverty line and don’t have access to transportation. With harsh weather conditions, reliable storage is key. Thanks to the Accessible House Project, members will soon be able to access locker rooms, storage for running wheelchairs and gear and an outdoor meeting area with ramps.
“At minus 40 degrees during our winter training runs, we dreamed about a clubhouse in our young, city central park which still had only one foot tall trees. Six years later, our dreams came true. The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them. The trees are now 10 feet tall and Achilles Mongolia is a nationally recognized organization,” says Zoro Baasai, runner and double arm amputee.
Norway and New Zealand
Achilles Norway held a Hope and Possibility race in Oslo on June 6 while New Zealand’s Hamilton chapter held a 5K run/walk around Hamilton Lake in July.
Find an Achilles chapter near you here.
