Overview
A Process of Achievable Accomplishment
In 2004, Achilles launched the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. An extension of the Achilles process of physical strengthening, building confidence, and generating a supportive community, the program was adapted to the specific needs of wounded U.S. soldiers. Program participants receive training as well as use of specialized adaptive devices, such as hand-crank wheelchairs. While the goal is to enter and complete a marathon, the program stresses “achievable accomplishment,” encouraging participants to begin by training for a less-demanding competition, such as our 5-mile “Hope and Possibility” race. This allows the soldiers to experience success and build confidence. Since it’s inception, we have expanded the program to two additional hospitals: Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA; and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. All injured military personnel and veterans are eligible for the program, whether the injury is combat or non-combat related.
Specialized Equipment
"Thanks for giving Brook the opportunity of a lifetime. Running the race with his dad was something that he will never forget. Brook and Kent ran together the night before Kent deployed and then four days later Kent was injured. One of Brook's first comments to me after Kent's injury was "Dad and I will never run together again". Who would have thought that they would do a half marathon together... Thanks so much!"
Trina Solheim
Wife of Freedom Team member Kent Solheim
Program training includes learning how to use a hand-crank wheelchair, which is a three-wheeled cycle powered by hand pedals. Unlike pushrim wheelchairs, which require users to lean forward when racing, this adaptive device is excellent for people with injuries that have resulted in amputation or paralysis. It was through the efforts of Achilles that these devises are now permitted in many marathons, including the ING New York City Marathon.
Continued Achievement
After Freedom Team members leave the hospital we encourage them to continue the program and their physical and emotional healing process. They can do this through membership in a local Achilles International chapter. Contact information, is listed in the Chapters section.
If there isn’t a chapter nearby they can start one. More information on starting a chapter, along with a downloadable Chapter Handbook is found in the Chapters section.
For further information, please contact the Freedom Team Director Genna Griffith at ggriffith@achillesinternational.org.