Achilles International Canada Welcomes New Leadership Team
We are pleased to announce and welcome Achilles International Canada’s new President and leadership team:
Lisa Derencinovic - President
Jeff Orchard
Michael Schlesinger
Alastair Taylor - Treasurer
John Tomasino
Kim Umbach - Vice President
Christopher White - Secretary
“Achilles International Canada is a treasured part of our grassroots network of 70 chapters around the world, including their neighbors in Ottawa. After the challenges of the past two years including the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, the Canada chapter has emerged stronger than ever,” says Emily Glasser, President and CEO of Achilles International. “They are led by a dedicated and passionate team committed to breaking down barriers to the start line for athletes of all ages with disabilities.”
Workouts will continue to meet on Saturdays in Toronto.
“Achilles was a great place for me to rediscover my passion for running. The group was friendly, and there were athletes and guides with all different levels of speed and ability. No matter how short a distance, or how slow a pace, guides were always willing to support me. I see Achilles as a welcoming and supportive community that is free from judgement. It is so much more than a running and walking club. It is a community. We have become so close that we usually call ourselves the Achilles family,” says Kim Umbach, Vice President.
“Throughout my years with Achilles International Canada, I have completed many races and logged thousands of kilometers. I come out almost every Saturday for the group run/walk because I’m surrounded by positive and encouraging people. Everyone has a smile on their face and is willing to share their time and energy to make athletes with disabilities succeed. I find the possible in a situation, adopting the attitude of, ‘let’s give this a try,’ before deciding if I can do it or not. I show up for myself in a way that the little kid on the sidelines wasn’t given the chance to. This is the power of Achilles international Canada,” says Lisa Derencinovic MSW RSW, chapter President. Read more of Lisa’s story here.
For more information on how to join or get involved, email achillescanada@achillesinternational.org or sign up here as an athlete or volunteer guide.
