Achilles Around the World Summer Update
From Arkansas to Perú, Achilles athletes and guides kept training in the summer heat (and winter cold for New Zealanders)! Read a short recap of race highlights, anniversaries and accomplishments below.
U.S.
Arkansas
Achilles Arkansas recently celebrated their three year anniversary. Members reflected on the growth of the chapter in such a short time. “After the pandemic, our chapter has grown stronger. Not based on expanding our number of members, but in the strong relationships that have been built beyond our workouts,” said Mary Dean, leader of Achilles Arkansas. “I love seeing the support that our members have for each other, cheering and rooting everyone on!”
She adds that it has been exciting to see wheelchair users learn how to use a handcycle for the first time and experience a whole new world of racing.
The team also recently enjoyed a workout with the Ozark Adaptive Sports Association, a nonprofit organization that helps people with physical disabilities in the Greater Northwest Arkansas area stay physically active.
“Partnering with OZASA has been great to get more people accessing our beautiful trail system in Arkansas and aware of adaptive sports,” says Mary.
Colorado
Achilles Boulder completed the BOLDERBoulder 10K on Monday, May 30 at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field. For many members, it was the first time they completed that distance. The athletes enjoyed the live bands, belly dancers, slip and slides, and the lively crowd. “What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day,” said Annette Kissinger, Chapter Lead of Boulder Colorado. “It was really exciting to see the finish line at the stadium!”
Team Achilles U.S.A
Passle Helminski, who lives with low vision, took first place in her age group at the Hamot 10K Mayor’s Cup in Erie, PA in the summer heat. Passle participates as part of Team Achilles U.S.A., for members who do not live near an official Achilles chapter for in-person workouts but wish to stay connected to our community.
International
Mongolia
Achilles International board member F. Robert Russo Jr., visited Achilles Mongolia’s accessible clubhouse in UlaanBaatar during one of their workouts. The chapter's accessible clubhouse was built to combat the fact that members of the chapter live near the poverty line and don’t have access to transportation. With harsh weather conditions, reliable equipment storage is key. Thanks to the Accessible House Project, members now have access to locker rooms, storage for running wheelchairs and gear and an outdoor meeting area with ramps.
New Zealand
Members of Achilles New Zealand have been busy with recent races in the Taupo Half Marathon and 10K event and Mount Maunganui Half Marathon Events. Te Huia, at left, achieved a personal best 1:32:20 half marathon time!
Panama
Members of Achilles Panama enjoyed group training this July. They also have members gearing up and training to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon in November with their guides!
Peru
Members of Achilles Perú were fierce competitors at the Via Verde 10K race in June!
Ecuador
Achilles Ecuador participated in the Tour of Italy Ride Like a Pro race where many of the chapter members placed at the top of their respective divisions!
Want to get involved? Find an Achilles chapter near you here.
