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Achilles
Kids
Program
Overview
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.
All children who participate
in our program receive a free Achilles T-shirt, training log book, membership
cards, Achilles Kids-Bits Newsletter, a variety of other rewards and
incentives, and medals & trophies for participation in our races.
At our own workouts which are held throughout the year, we also provide
training advice and help children set goals based on their ability and
fitness levels.
Through our combined
school program and at our own events, over 2500 children with disabilities
have run/walked/rolled farther than they ever thought possible, proving
that disabled does not mean unable. In the process, they have not only
improved their health and fitness levels but have also gained the self-confidence
and self-esteem that comes with setting goals and achieving them. All
these very positive effects can truly have a tremendous and far-reaching
impact on their lives.
For more information
about Achilles Kids, please
e-mail us at achilleskids@achillestrackclub.org.
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Ready... Set...Go Achilles Kids!
Achilles
Kids Public & Private School Program
Achilles Kids sponsors over 90 chapters in public and private schools
throughout the NYC region (and in Newark, NJ and San Diego, California
too!). With the close association of the NYC Office of Adaptive Physical
Education, the Newark Board of Education and the Hartford Board of Education,
close to three thousand children with disabilities will participate
in our school programs in the 2004-2005 school year.
The centerpiece of
the Achilles Kids program is a 26.2 'virtual marathon' which the youth
complete throughout the school year during their gym classes every week.
During each workout, the children do laps which are counted and converted
to miles and then charted on a map of their city/borough along a 26
mile route around the city. Currently we have maps with a 26.2 "virtual
marathon" route for all 5 NYC boroughs, Newark, NJ, Philadelphia,
PA and San Diego, CA. We would be DELIGHTED to develop maps for any
other major city in the U.S.
By following their
progress on the maps provided by Achilles Kids, each child can see in
a way no words can show, just what a tremendous feat it is they've accomplished.
These maps are very motivating in and of themselves, but can also be
used to reinforce geography, social studies and math skills. As a special
reward and incentive, Achilles Kids provides every child who completes
the virtual marathon a free Achilles Kids T-shirt.
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Achilles
Kids Training Materials
Any Adaptive
Physical Education teacher who is interested in starting a chapter at
their school can contact us at (212) 354-0300 or download some of our
materials below to help you get started right away. Just complete the
chapter application and return to us at:
Achilles Kids
42 West 38th Street, Suite 400
New York, NY 10018
Achilles
Kids Races
Throughout the year, Achilles Kids races are held in NYC. Among the
highlights are the Annual Achilles Kids Back to School Fun Run in Central
Park and our "Kids for Kids Super Sports Day" at Horace Mann School. A variety of events, games, activities and special entertainment
make these races truly special events. All Achilles Kids races are free
and open to all children with disabilities, ages 2 - 21, and their non-disabled
siblings.
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Achilles
Kids Year-Round Workouts
Workouts are held year-round - during the warmer months, at the Central
Park Conservatory Water, and in the winter, at the Jewish Community Center (334 Amsterdam Avenue at W. 76th St.).
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.
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Future
Marathoners Club
Any child with a disability 10 years or older who is interested in long-distance
running/walking and would like to participate in the marathon when they
reach 18, is eligible to participate in a special training program.
Goals are set for each child based on their age & ability level,
with goals being gradually increased as they get older and their endurance
and stamina increases). Every child who completes their goals for the
year (i.e., x# of miles a week, participation in X# number of races,
etc.,) will receive a special Future Marathoners Club warm up jacket
and award at our yearly Awards Buffet held just prior to the Marathon.
Other incentives will be provided during the year.
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New
York Road Runners Club Pee Wee Races
Achilles Kids participates in and pays all entry fees for all the NYRRC
Pee Wee Races held throughout the year. This is an added opportunity
for children to participate in major races alongside non-disabled children.
This "mainstreaming" can help break down barriers and further raise
awareness that "disabled does NOT mean unable".
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Achilles
Kids Sponsors & Supporters
ACHILLES KIDS is sponsored by the Achilles Track Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization founded in 1983 by Dick Traum, with the financial support
of The United Way, Goldman Sachs, The Milbank Foundation,
and numerous foundations. Achilles Kids works closely
with the NYC Department of Education's Office of Adaptive Physical Education,
The City of New York Parks & Recreation Department, New York Cares & the NYRRC.
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Make
a Donation
YOU can help us reach more children with disabilities! It costs
$50 PER child, PER year to participate in our school program. $50 provides
a full year of membership, training materials, maps, medals, certificates
and Achilles T-shirt. But it provides so much more... the opportunity
for children with disabilities to gain better health, fitness and well-being.
AND have fun!
Your donation
is tax-deductible. Click here
to make an online donation or mail your check, payable to the Achilles
Track Club:
42 West
38th Street, Suite 400
New York, New York 10018
Thank
you for your support!
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