U.S. Veterans and Colombian First Responders with Disabilities Team Up for Media Maratón Del Mar Races
United States military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team traveled to Cartagena, Colombia to compete in the Media Maratón Del Mar weekend races including a half marathon, a 5K, and a 10K with Achilles Colombia on February 9 through 14.
Three athletes with disabilities and Achilles staff were hosted by the local chapter and the United States embassy in Colombia.
Achilles’ Colombia chapter is largely composed of fellow military veterans, police officers, and other service members. The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Survivor Assistance Program (INL-SAP) in Colombia offers opportunities for social inclusion to police and military officers who have been injured protecting Colombian citizens from crime. Many members of the Achilles Colombia chapter and this program participated in their very first races alongside the Achilles Freedom Team and were thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the action. Sixty Achilles athletes participated.
The Colombia chapter and the embassy have been hosting the Freedom Team for race weekends for about ten years now, and this is the second year that they have joined forces to take on the Media Maratón del Mar races as a team.
Video of Achilles Freedom Team athletes racing side by side with Achilles Colombia.
Though the Achilles athletes in Colombia might have limited resources, they do not let that stop them from achieving their goals.
The Achilles Freedom Team donated gently used adaptive equipment to the Colombia chapter as a way to thank them for their generosity and to support the chapter’s growth.
The Achilles Freedom Team looks forward to hosting Achilles Colombia chapter in U.S. based races later this year.
This race weekend was another demonstration of how Achilles International creates connections across borders and empowers people with disabilities to reach new heights through sport.
Make a donation to Achilles Colombia and help support athletes living with disabilities.
