Achilles Relay Recap: Athletes and Veterans Pass Baton 500 Miles From Boston to Washington D.C. for Disability Inclusion
Achilles International athletes and military veterans with disabilities completed a 500-mile relay from Boston, MA to Washington, D.C. on May 15 to 23. The Achilles Relay, the second in the organization’s history, was hosted in honor of Achilles’ 40th anniversary. With each baton pass, six Achilles chapters and the Achilles Freedom Team toured through the different cities in celebration of disability inclusion, perseverance and the power of a run.
The Relay kicked off with Achilles Boston at a special event at TD Garden hosted by sponsor, TD Bank. Achilles members took a special private tour of the iconic arena before beginning their run through the city.
Emily Glasser, President and CEO, gave welcome remarks with Tyrrell Schmidt, US Chief Marketing Officer, TD Bank and Secretary of the Achilles International Board of Directors.
“I have been running for 40 years and have participated in 18 marathons, yet being a part of the Achilles Relay and all the Achilles runs throughout the year mean the most to me. Each year, I serve as a guide runner. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve run with and remain close friends with almost all of them to this day,” said Tyrrell.
Photo Credit: Whit Wales, Endeavor Films
The Achilles Freedom Team continued moving the baton 200+ miles between chapters including a special visit to the Connecticut State Capitol where they were greeted by Governor Ned Lamont. The visit appeared on the cover of the Hartford Courant. In addition to runs through Hartford and West Haven, Achilles Connecticut members and the Freedom Team veterans enjoyed a special dinner and walk with our sponsor The Cigna Group. David Cordani, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, led a panel discussion for employees about overcoming obstacles and living with vitality featuring Achilles athletes Mike Sprouse, a retired U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and Cedric King, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant.
The athletes then made their way to New York City where Achilles NYC passed the baton over the George Washington Bridge to their fellow athletes of Achilles New Jersey.
The crew then joined Achilles Philadelphia for an 11-mile tour of their city in segments relay style before concluding the journey on the National Mall with Achilles Washington D.C.
“The camaraderie is what really makes the Relay so special,” says Kassandra Hernandez, an Achilles Philadelphia athlete who lives with low vision. “The whole event is a team effort, and cheering each other on along the way is one of the best parts. There’s nothing like being there to see your fellow athletes cross the finish line!”
Thank you to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Massachusetts State Police, Connecticut State Police, the New York Police Department’s Highway Patrol Unit 1, Englewood Police Department, Englewood Cliffs Fire Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police for keeping our athletes safe along the Achilles Relay route.
Thank you to our sponsors The Cigna Group, the GM Military Appreciation Program, Philly Area Chevy Dealers, Boston Manchester Chevy Dealers, Chevy Tri-State and TD Bank.
