[Nfb-utah] Utah Achilles

[Nfb Utah]

Fellow Federationists and Friends of the NFB of Utah

Members of our great affiliate will be participating in the Wasatch Ragnar
Relay. *Ken Duke* is the lead organizer for this event and below is some
media coverage where you can cheer on our members!

This will be the first all disabled relay team in Ragnar history and the
majority of members are NFB of Utah! Let’s cheer everyone on!



*Utah** Achilles Chapter mission*

*Our mission is to enable people with disabilities to participate in
mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance
self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life. *

*Achilles athletes Challenges include, but are not limited to, amputation,
cerebral palsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, organ transplants, paraplegia,
stroke, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.*



On June 14 at 9:30 am. at Fox 13 news studio where they will be
interviewing part of the Achilles Utah Ragnar team. Here is some of the
wonderful sponsors that will be in the segment.

*Becky Andrews* – Achilles athlete who has done numerous marathons and will
be running the 2016 Ragnar Relay. Becky is a blind community leader and has
inspired many individuals in our community.

*Amanda Hovermale* – Achilles Volunteer (Guide) for many years who will be
assisting Becky during the Ragnar Relay. Amanda also has completed many
marathons and a previous Ragnar relay team captain.

*Mark Turley* – Achilles Athlete who is going to run the 2016 Ragnar relay.
Mark has been instrumental in recruiting many of the Utah Achilles Ragnar
team members running this year’s race. Mark is also the President of the
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), SLC chapter. NFB is one of Achilles
Utah major sponsors.

*Andy Abram* – Achilles Volunteer (guide) for over 10 years who will be
mostly assisting Ken Duke during the relay. Andy’s company, Abram’s
Plumbing, is also one of Achilles Utah major sponsors.

 Four individuals listed above are examples of the type of people in our
organization (Achilles Utah). Every member in our Ragnar team (24 members)
has great stories and shows their ability they can accomplish anything with
the right support system. I wish you could interview all of them.

 The Achilles Volunteers (Guides) are fantastic. They have the
responsibilities to make sure each member they are guiding gets what they
need. The guides are, strong, witty , observant, mentors, coaches, patient,
, and overall making sure the Achilles Athletes reach their desired goals.
Without our incredible Achilles Volunteers, we could not participate in
events like the Ragnar Relay Race.

Our sponsors make it happen. Without our wonderful sponsors, participating
in this year’s Ragnar Relay would not be a reality. Thank you to: Ragnar,
Abram’s Plumbing, ,National Federation of the Blind, Show and Tell AV
Solutions, Ken Garff Auto, Intermountain Realty Group, and Kawa Design
Studio.

 President Ken Duke who is over Utah Achilles would like share some up
coming news and goals that are set for the Utah Achilles. One of our 2016
Utah Achilles goals is to train for and run a 186 mile Ragnar relay race in
the Utah Wasatch back mountains. For almost a year 12 Achilles athletes and
12 guides (Team Achilles) have been attending our weekly workout sessions
in our local parks. Some of the members have never run in a race. Some of
our members have run many races including, but not limited to, 5k, 10k, and
marathons. However, all Achilles athletes participating in the Ragnar relay
have some physical challenges in their lives. Some are blind. Some are
amputees and others have fought with cancer. Regardless of the challenges,
the Team Achilles is going to start running the relay Friday morning June
17 at 4:00 AM and completing Saturday afternoon June 18. Each challenged
member will be assisted with a fantastic guide when help is needed. In
fact, without these wonderful guides, Team Achilles would not been able to
participate in this event.

After training for this Ragnar event, some of our members testified that
running has helped with fighting depression, increased their self-esteem,
and losing weight. In fact, one member has lost over 30 pounds. These are
just a few benefits our members have experienced since joining the Achilles
team.

Overall, the Utah Achilles is aligned with the same purpose as the Achilles
International mission. “We provide athletes with disabilities with a
community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come
together to train in an environment of support and community.”



*Utah** Achilles 2016 Goals*

Provide resources to reach overall better health and fitness

· 12 Achilles athletes and 12 volunteers are Training for the Utah Wasatch
Back     Ragnar Relay held June 2016

· Building awareness in our community

· Recruiting members to reach 20 plus athletes by end of this year



*Weekly Workout Meeting Locations and times*

Tuesday 6:30 PM Liberty Park (1300 S 500 E., SLC)

Saturday 9:00 AM Sugar House park (2100 S 1400 E, SLC)