Achilles Kids Fall Recap
From celebration dinners to first time racers, Achilles Kids have stayed active this fall. Read a short recap below of highlights and impact.
Team Achilles Kids
Achilles 10K for Greatness Fun Run
On September 16, Achilles Kids teamed up with the adult athletes from Achilles NYC to conquer the Achilles 10K for Greatness Fun Run in Central Park. This 6.2 mile race, complete with customized race bibs and medals, left our athletes feeling energized and ready to take on the rest of their fall races.
Team Achilles Kids Awards Dinner
For the first time ever, Achilles Kids of New York City were honored and celebrated at a special awards dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Thanks to support from the Deerfield Foundation, each participant was presented with a special award, and enjoyed a fun evening of tasty food and a dance party!
Tyler McNeil, a long time member of Team Achilles Kids who has officially graduated to our adults program, was also the recipient of the Steven R. Fastenberg Marathoner award at the New York City Marathon Welcome Celebration Dinner.
A First Time Marathoner!
Kieron Ragoonath, who has been with Team Achilles Kids since 2018, completed his first marathon at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. Prior to the race, Kieron was the winner of the 2023 Achilles NYC Marathon Team Challenge by raising over $9,700 to help support other athletes with disabilities.
“When I see someone wearing an Achilles t-shirt, I know they are like family and I’m proud to be part of an organization that is respected and makes me proud,” Kieron says. “I know Achilles will always be there for me, and now I am excited to give back to Achilles!”
Run to Learn School Program
Our school based Run to Learn program currently serves 108 different chapters across 14 states, with a total of 7,555 students in the program. Achilles celebrates the achievements of our student participants.
“These special needs children struggle with so much. Having them work and earn for these awards means the world to them,” says Darra, a school psychical therapist from Vancouver, WA. “It's something tangible that they can see and touch. They are so proud of themselves!”
Race for Glory
On October 26, over 300 students with disabilities and 65 teachers from across 10 schools of NYC Public Schools District 75, participated in the Achilles Race For Glory, presented by the Gray Foundation. District 75 provides highly specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and cognitive delays.
Thanks to funding from the Gray Foundation, the event was hosted for the first time since 2019.
Students were invited to participate in six different athletic events, including a dash, mini-hurdles, long jump, foam javelin throw, softee ball throw, and a relay race. Every participant received a finishers medal to commemorate the experience.
Billy Davis, a Physical Education teacher said what he loves most about the Achilles Kids event is, “being able to give our students the opportunity to go outside, participate in sports events to have them walking and have them engaged. It’s more than the social part of it. It’s good to have students do something different for themselves and get outside.”
