Why Achilles: A Place of Understanding
Tim Utzig, a Towson University graduate from Washington D.C., lost his vision when he was 11-years-old after being diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. His passion for team sports like goalball laid the foundation for his love of running, which became a powerful means of destressing and connecting with his inner self. Due to his limited vision, though, running freely on the streets was a challenge until he found Achilles D.C. in February.
“What makes Achilles unique is the camaraderie and going to a place where you know people are going to be understanding. A lot of the experience in the disability world is having to deal with the hurdles and challenges of others having to adapt to you. At Achilles, everyone is ready to go and you feel safe. It’s an environment where you can be active and not have to worry for once about making adjustments.
Running goes beyond the physical aspect, it expands your mental willpower. One step further, one mile further. Achilles means the world to me. It gives me and other athletes living with low vision or blindness a community of people willing to understand and accommodate with one shared interest: running, whether we’re walking, in a wheelchair or sprinting a 7-minute mile,” says Tim who recently completed his first half marathon.
He plans to pursue his graduate degree in journalism and move to London, a lifelong dream. Thanks to supporters like you, Tim can keep running in an Achilles chapter in that city as well!
To grow Achilles and maintain a supportive user base for people with disabilities worldwide, we need your help. Will you make a gift on Achilles first Day of Giving today? Our goal is to raise $100,000, the amount it takes to run a local chapter. You have the power to make a difference in the lives of athletes like Tim and help us create a transformative community. Make a gift today and learn more.
