Passing the Baton of Resilience and Inclusion 650-Miles up the East Coast

The pandemic kept people apart. The Achilles Resilience Relay brought people back together. Athletes with disabilities and their guides completed a 650-mile relay running, riding and walking from Charlotte, NC, to New York, NY, from June 26 to July 10. With each baton pass, it personified overcoming adversity and shed light on the 26% of Americans living with a disability.

From sunrise to sunset, 150 athletes rallied their Achilles chapters and communities, raising over $109,000 to benefit Achilles International.

“It’s like hanging out at a family reunion,” said Mike Sprouse, retired United States Marine Sergeant and Drill Instructor, Achilles Freedom Team. “I get to do what I love: ride.”

The Achilles Freedom Team, which embarked on the first 400-miles, was greeted by former President George W. Bush in Washington D.C. at a Cigna sponsored event.

After the athletes battled through the effects of the heat and Tropical Storm Elsa rainfall, they were greeted in New York City for the final segment of the route with a special Bloomingdale’s window display, featuring videos of Achilles teammates cheering them on to the finish.

The journey ended with a final baton pass in Central Park at the start line of the 19th Annual Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4-Miler presented by TD Bank and hosted by New York Road Runners.

“Achilles means resilience, it means strength, community, partnership, support, encouragement and inspiration,” said Emily Glasser, CEO, Achilles International.

Photo credits: Cigna; Anthony Quintano/TD Bank

Sponsors: Cigna, presenting sponsor; TD Bank; GM; Chevrolet; WB Marketing; KINeSYS.