The mission of Achilles is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers between people.

Description and/or History:
Achilles Kids is a FREE running/walking/rolling program for children with all types of disabilities (and their non-disabled siblings), ages 2-21. Our aim is to promote the joy of running/walking/rolling and to encourage all kids to participate at whatever level they can. Our emphasis is on FUN and all we ask is that the kids do their best.

Achilles Kids Workouts are held year-round - during the warmer months, in Central Park, and in the winter we meet indoors at a gym on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Children are paired with volunteers who run/walk with them and provide training assistance, encouragement and support. In addition to doing laps and training for races, we also have time for "free play" which makes our workouts FUN. There has been DRAMATIC improvement in the majority of the children over the past few years. Children who could not run/walk 50 yds are now doing a mile or in many cases, much more (in several cases TEN MILES!) and in all cases, doing much more than they ever thought possible. In addition to the obvious improvement in their health and fitness levels, the children have received an incredible boost to their self-confidence and self-esteem which can have a far-reaching impact in their lives.

Achilles was founded in 1983 by Richard Traum, Ph. D. In 1976, he was the first amputee to run a 26.2-mile marathon. Since its inception, the Achilles Track Club has expanded from 3 members to over 3,000 in the Metropolitan New York area and has members in 40 cities across the United States. Achilles has been replicated in over 60 countries, including countries like Canada, Ecuador, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa and Vietnam.

Achilles provides bi-weekly training programs at most chapters. In conjunction with various other organizations, Achilles helps provide eye surgery for blind runners and below the knee prostheses and sports wheelchairs for Achilles members.

Contact people:

Karen Lewis, (212) 354-0300, (email) Tricia Graf, Program Coordinator, (212) 354-0300, (email)

Address:

42 W 38th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018 (See a map)