Achilles International helps athletes with disabilities compete in New York City Marathon

Key Concepts

Achilles International: A global organization dedicated to breaking down barriers for athletes with disabilities.
New York City Marathon: A major marathon event covering all five boroughs of New York City, attracting over 50,000 participants.
Adaptive Equipment: Specialized gear designed to assist individuals with disabilities in participating in sports and activities.
Volunteer Support Runners (Guides): Individuals who assist athletes with disabilities by providing guidance, describing the course, and buffering them from other participants.
Ultra Triathlon: An extreme endurance event, described as 2 to 3 times the distance of an Ironman triathlon.

Achilles International and the NYC Marathon

The New York City Marathon, a significant event drawing over 50,000 participants globally, serves as a platform for Achilles International to empower athletes with disabilities. The organization aims to help these athletes cross the finish line by breaking down various barriers.

Role of Achilles International

Emily Glasser, President and CEO of Achilles International, and Francesco Maisano, Director of Achilles New York City Metro Region, discuss the organization's mission. Achilles International provides crucial support to athletes with a wide range of disabilities, including blindness, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.

Francesco Maisano's Experience

Francesco Maisano, who has been blind since age 16 and is participating in his seventh NYC Marathon, highlights two key aspects of his involvement:

Leading and Witnessing Success: He gets to lead a diverse group of athletes with various disabilities, observing them achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Unique City Experience: Through his guides, he experiences the city in a distinctive way, engaging with the smells and sounds of different neighborhoods, even without direct sight.

How Guides Empower Athletes

Emily Glasser explains the critical role of volunteer support runners (guides) for the 185 Achilles athletes competing in the marathon. These guides:

Provide Navigation: They help guide athletes by identifying potential obstacles along the 26.2-mile route and describing what lies ahead.
Offer Buffer: In a race with 55,000 participants, guides act as a buffer, protecting the athletes from the general crowd.
Address Barriers: Beyond guidance, Achilles International also addresses other barriers, such as the need for adaptive equipment and the significant financial undertaking of participating in such an event. They support athletes from all over the globe.

Motivation and Impact of Sports

Francesco Maisano, who has completed over 25 marathons and was the first person with a disability to complete an ultra-triathlon in 2023, shares his motivation:

Self-Challenge: He emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself, regardless of training levels.
Personal Outlet and Growth: Maisano discovered sports as an outlet after finding Achilles International in 2017. This discovery has profoundly impacted his life, opening up opportunities not only athletically but also professionally, socially, and within the community.

Getting Involved with Achilles International

Emily Glasser encourages individuals interested in supporting Achilles International to:

Visit the Website: Go to Achilles International or org to register as a guide or an athlete.
Follow on Social Media: Engage with the organization on social media platforms.
Join the Community: Achilles International emphasizes an inclusive "big tent" where everyone is welcome.

Conclusion

The New York City Marathon is more than just a race; it's an event where organizations like Achilles International actively work to ensure inclusivity and empower athletes with disabilities. Through dedicated guides, adaptive equipment, and a supportive community, Achilles International helps athletes overcome physical and logistical barriers, enabling them to achieve their marathon goals and experience personal growth.