Achilles International is a non-profit organization that partners able-bodied runners (VOLUNTEERS) with physically or otherwise challenged athletes (ATHLETES). Achilles Colorado welcomes all people with disabilities to the wonderful world of RUNNING, WALKING, and ROLLING! Achilles Colorado meets every Monday evening at 6pm at the Washington Park Recreation Center (https://goo.gl/maps/uR6AVw4hMsgJC
Hek7). Please let us know if you are an athlete that would like to join us so that we can ensure that we have a guide for you when you attend. Please watch our page for updates on group runs. Our mission is to enable people with disabilities to run, walk, or roll in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life. Check out a video about our group which appeared on 9 news on 10/13/13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hApzzNW0zf4
Membership is absolutely free. VOLUNTEERS: As an Achilles volunteer, you function as a member’s eyes, ears, guide, and motivator. You can participate in many ways and commit as much or as little as your schedule allows. You may:
• Help disabled runners become familiar with special equipment.
• Participate in weekly workouts.
• Provide guidance and running advice during races and marathons.
• Help with race day logistics. If you are interested in becoming a VOLUNTEER GUIDE, on ANY level, please visit the Achilles volunteer web page at https://www.achillesinternational.org/volunteers/ and click on the hyperlink for the Achilles Volunteer Application Form. ATHLETES, we encourage everyone with a disability or physical challenge to participate!
• Athletes can run, walk, roll, or even swing on crutches. In other words, any form of locomotion that gets you through the route is welcome!
• Physical challenges include, but are not limited to, amputation, cerebral palsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, organ transplants, paraplegia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairments. If you (or someone you know) might enjoy or benefit from becoming an Achilles ATHLETE, please first go to http://www.achillesinternational.org/members/members to find the member application. Complete and e-mail it to Eleanor Cox at [email protected] or fax/mail it as noted on the form. In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running small distances at first and then eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing and gave him a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International. Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 65 locations in the United States and abroad. Every day in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled athletes come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, athletes gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life. Over the years, Achilles has also developed specialized programs for children and war veterans. Achilles Kids provides training, racing opportunities, and an in-school program for children with disabilities, while our Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans program brings running programs and marathon opportunities to disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. While our program focuses on running, walking, and rolling, the truth is that sports are simply the tool for accomplishing our main objective: to bring hope, inspiration, and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities.
