Achilles Kids Highlight Inclusion in T-Shirt Design Contest

Achilles Kids, ages 3 through 21, from Vancouver, WA to New York, NY, used their crayons and markers to showcase what they love about running, walking and wheeling with Achilles. Children who participate in our Run to Learn school program were invited to submit an original design in February that:

• Represents Achilles and our values

• Includes diversity and inclusion of an athlete living with a disability

• Uses only four colors

Out of a total of 37 entries, one design was chosen to be printed on a batch of t-shirts for program members. Congratulations to Cy, who will be graduating from school later this year, on submitting the winning the design!

Over 7,000 individuals across the United States will be proudly sporting Cy’s original design and representing the program that has impacted their lives in so many ways. All children participating in the program and their teachers that lead the program will receive a shirt.

“The t-shirt design contest has been such a popular part of our school program. It gives our kids a chance to think hard about what Achilles Kids means to them and to tap into their creative side,” says Karen Lewis, Vice President of School Programs for Achilles International. “Knowing that the winning design will be worn by thousands of children living with disabilities across the U.S. is something the artist is rightfully proud of. It's mind-boggling how every year we think there's no way that the winning design could ever be topped, but somehow, the designs keep getting better and better every year. Congratulations to Cy on his awesome design, and a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all our Achilles Kids artists who shared their masterpieces with us!”

View some of the submissions below:

Contest submission that depicts three different Achilles Kids athletes posing under a banner that reads “Achilles Kids are awesome!”

Contest submission that depicts a wheelchair using Achilles Kids athlete posing and smiling underneath a banner that reads “finish”

Contest submission that depicts Achilles Kids athletes racing together towards the finish line that reads “You can do this!”

Contest submission that depicts three Achilles Kids athletes racing on a track towards the finish line that reads “2023 Achilles Kids”

Contest submission that depicts Achilles Kids members crossing the finish line together that reads “Finish line race yay!”

Contest submission that depicts two Achilles athletes racing together that reads “Winners!”

Contest submission that depicts Achilles Kids athletes that reads “Never give up.”

Contest submission that depicts three Achilles kids athletes racing on a track to reach the finish line that reads “We’re the Achilles Kids”

Contest submission that depicts three Achilles Kids members posing on a podium underneath a banner that reads “Championship world!”

Contest submission that depicts Achilles Kids members all gathered around a flagpole together.

Contest submission that depicts three Achilles Kids members posing together under a banner that reads “2023 Achilles Kids are the best!”

Note: For privacy reasons, we do not publish identifying information about contest participants.