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Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Life is a marathon for Achilles Kids. Help our kids with disabilities reach the finish line.

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Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Achilles Kids -- Achilles International

Life is a marathon for Achilles Kids. Help our kids with disabilities reach the finish line.

Life is a marathon for Achilles Kids. Help our kids with disabilities reach the finish line.

Life is a marathon for Achilles Kids. Help our kids with disabilities reach the finish line.

Life is a marathon for Achilles Kids. Help our kids with disabilities reach the finish line.

Fiona McKinney
Fiona McKinney
Fiona McKinney
Fiona McKinney
1 Campaign |
New York, United States
$100,320 USD by 104 backers
$100,000 USD by 101 backers on Nov 15, 2014

Our Indiegogo Campaign Goal is to provide funds for our Achilles Kids Program, which serves children with disabilities through athletic activities and running a “Virtual Marathon” *

WHO WE ARE:

We are Achilles International. We make it possible for people of any age and any disability to participate in mainstream sports. Many of you may know us from the bright yellow neon shirts our athletes wear at events around the world and at workouts in Central Park, NY. We are hard to miss in our signature shade! Achilles International was created in 1983 by Dick Traum, the first above-the-knee amputee to complete a marathon in New York City.

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

HOW DOES THE ACHILLES KIDS PROGRAM HELP CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES?

We work with the DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION and are part of an “Adaptive Physical Education Program” in over 180 public schools around the U.S. Within this program children with disabilities who are members of the Achilles Kids Program run, walk or "roll" (in wheelchairs) throughout the school year and aim to complete a marathon distance (26.2 miles.)

*We call it a "virtual marathon” but there’s nothing virtual about it…they really go the distance! 


YES, ACHILLES KIDS ACTUALLY COMPLETE A MARATHON!!

The children in our program prove to us every day that being disabled does not mean “being un-able!”

They defy the odds and, under the supervision of their teachers, walk, run or “roll” in their Adaptive Physical Education classes, adding up their mileage to a “virtual marathon” distance throughout the school year.

The Achilles Kids Program promotes health and fitness and helps children with disabilities:

  • BE ACTIVE AND “ACHIEVE!”

  • IMPROVE FOCUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE

    Achilles Kids often do better ACADEMICALLY too as they learn to:

  • IMPROVE COGNITIVE ABILITIES

  • BUILD SELF-ESTEEM

  • SET GOALS

  • BE PART OF A TEAM

    It is SELF-EMPOWERING and builds CONFIDENCE



WHY IS THIS “RUN TO LEARN PROGRAM” SO IMPORTANT?

A Reuters Health study reports that children with disabilities who participate in a suitable exercise program show improved quality of life, greater aerobic capacity, and better function.


Achilles founder, Dick Traum, believes that if a child can feel that sense of pride and success in achieving something like this -- and they EARN these shoes, they are not given to them -- think of what other great things they might achieve.

Achilles Kids Disabilities include Cognitive and Physical Disabilities such as:

Autism * Down’s Syndrome * Cerebral Palsy * Spina Bifida * Muscular Dystrophy, * Visual Impairment/Blindness * Traumatic Brain injuries (TBI) ADHD * Orthopedic Disorders



CHARTING THEIR PROGRESS:

One of the most exciting parts of this program is when Achilles Kids and their teachers begin charting their progress and see the proof of their amazing hard work step-by-step. They become advocates in their own success!

Every step the children take is marked on customized maps of their city (some sample maps above), which are proudly displayed in their classroom. The children are honored and praised in an award celebration at the end of the school year where those who reached the 26.2-mile marathon distance are rewarded with a new pair of running shoes. These are especially meaningful for the students as the vast majority are low-income and for many, it is their first pair of new shoes.

All kids, including those who complete shorter distances, receive t-shirts designed by children in the program; as well as, medals and certificates, which helps them stay motivated.

The awards ceremony has a HUGE IMPACT on the children! Teachers regularly report to us what a big boost the ceremonies have on the kids confidence and self-esteem! (See what some of the teachers are saying below.)

The program is an important lesson in working hard to earn something special.

This sets a pattern for a lifetime of achievement.


GROUND BREAKING RESEARCH ON AUTISM

We are incredibly excited to share some great news with you all!!

Since the Achilles Kids Program began in 1995, we have extensive anecdotal evidence that running helps children on the autism spectrum improve their emotional and physical health. This year, Achilles will work with Cigna on a groundbreaking study that will help quantify the effect that running has on children with autism. THIS IS A FIRST! This research could have profound implications on the health and quality of life for children with autism and their families.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN

Achilles International is a not-for-profit organization that depends solely on the generosity of people like you for funding. We have a very small staff doing a huge amount of work. Your donation is 100% Tax Deductible and goes DIRECTLY to support the Achilles Kids Program.

Last year, we provided 9,700 shirts and 4,400 pairs of sneakers for the Achilles Kids Program.

THIS YEAR, our program is even bigger. Our program continues to grow and we need more help raising funds.

THIS YEAR, we expect to provide more than 12,000 shirts and 5,000+ pairs of shoes.


TOM MCGRATH IS GIVING US A RUN FOR OUR MONEY!

In support of our Indiegogo Campaign for Achilles Kids, Tom “RunningMan” McGrath, will run SIX MARATHONS IN SIX DAYS through the FIVE BOROUGHS of New York City.

He will start his run on September 29th and continue a marathon every day until October 4th.

Tom is a long-distance runner with a heart of gold especially where kids’ charities are concerned. He has run over 200,000 miles in the past fifty years and helped raise two million dollars for charity. Last year, he ran Six Marathons In Six Days through the busy streets of Manhattan, avoiding potholes, buses, taxis, exhaust fumes and so many other obstacles. “Nothing compares to the challenges some of these kids face every day,” he said.

The Achilles Kids inspired Tom so much that he offered to do the run again this year! Be sure to follow his run on our Facebook page!



MEET SOME OF OUR KIDS:

We would love you to meet some of our KIDS. Please take a look at the accompanying video and get to know a few of our great, inspiring Achilles Kids.

For more information on Achilles, please visit our website: www.achillesinternational.org and don’t forget to “friend” or “like” us on Facebook!

Contact: Fiona McKinney, Achilles International. Tel: 212 354 0300  email: fmckinney@achillesinternational.org 

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Choose your Perk

Thank you!

$10 USD
Thank you for your donation. Every dollar makes a HUGE difference for our Achilles Kids.
18 claimed

Special Mention in Newsletter

$20 USD
Thank you! All donations go directly into our Achilles Kids Program. Your name will be added to a special section for campaign donors in our Winter Newsletter.
4 claimed

Achilles Kid Champion Bracelet

$30 USD
In celebration of our Indiegogo campaign, we have designed a very special (rubber) bracelet as a "thank you" for your donation. The inscription on the bracelet reads "Achilles Kids Go The Distance." We are sure you will wear this bracelet with pride. Thank you for your donation and support. Shipping and handling costs included. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Thank you.
17 claimed

Achilles T-Shirt

$60 USD
As a thank you for your donation, we will send you our specially designed "Hope & Possibility" T-Shirt, which is our signature race held in Central Park every year (and in other States too!) During this amazing (inspiring!) 5M Run we celebrate the "hope and possibility" that is within is all. When claiming this prize, please be sure to let us know your t-shirt size. Thank you. (Donation includes shipping and handling. Pls allow approx. 6 weeks for delivery. Thank you.)
4 out of 50 of claimed

“Hope & Possibility” book

$75 USD
Achilles “Hope & Possibility” Book is a beautiful addition to anyone’s library. The book tells the story of our signature fundraising race (inspired by Achilles board member Trisha Mieli’s book “I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility”) and includes a multitude of captivating photos of our athletes with celebrities who join us during the 5M Race every June. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Thank you.
0 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

T-Shirt and Special Bracelet

$90 USD
As a thank you for your donation, we will send you our specially designed "Hope & Possibility" T-Shirt, which is our signature race held in Central Park (and in other States too!) every year. We celebrate the "hope and possibility" that is within is all. PLUS, a special "Achilles Kids Champion Bracelet." When claiming this prize, please be sure to let us know your t-shirt size. Thank you. (Donation amount includes shipping and handling. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Thank you.)
7 out of 50 of claimed

“Go Achilles!” book

$150 USD
“Go Achilles!” tells the story of Achilles International from its inception through to today. It is filled with many inspiring stories of our amazing athletes around the world. Stories are accompanied by a multitude of incredible photos! Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Thank you.
0 out of 30 of claimed

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