Achilles Kids

Physical activity is an important part of every child’s healthy development. But for children with disabilities, it’s more important than you think. A recent Reuters Health study reports that children with disabilities who participate in the right exercise program show improved quality of life, greater aerobic capacity, and better function.

Kids Races/Events Photos

The Achilles Kids running-walking-rolling programs have been illustrating this for over 14 years. Kids with disabilities get the opportunity to exercise regularly and compete with other runners, helping them become stronger and healthier. Equally important, they give children a way to measure achievement at any level of participation, gain confidence through their successes, and have fun.

2 Ways to Win

“My students are very physically challenged, medically fragile, and mentally challenged. Achilles helps by engaging them in activities they all can participate in. Whether they are walking or jogging by themselves, or someone is pushing their wheelchairs, they are all participating together.

But Achilles is more than just the exercise aspect of the organization. It is about reaching your goals, feeling pride in your accomplishments and for some, it’s a brand new pair of sneakers that they never had before.”

Robin Rivera

Teacher, Abilities First

Achilles Kids offers three programs to meet the needs of children with disabilities. All of the programs are available through our New York chapter and are being rolled out to other chapters throughout the world. To find out if there is a program in your area, or to get information on starting one, please contact us at: 212.354.0300 x305.

  • Achilles Kids: Races and Workouts
    Training activities that integrate free-play, games, and nutritious snacks to make the experience fun and provide (or feature) racing opportunities.
  • Achilles Kids: Run to Learn
    A free school program providing physical activity integrated with educational components. Kids participate in a “virtual” marathon, completed over the school year. The route is plotted on a map of their city and, on a weekly basis, the children do laps equivalent to a portion of the route. Teachers incorporate geography, social studies, reading and math skills into the activity