Over $129,000 Awarded to Athletes with Disabilities to Fund Their Dream Races

Achilles athletes with disabilities received over $129,900 in scholarship funds in 2025 to help fund their dream races thanks to the support of the Cordani Family Grant Program. 

David Cordani, Chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group and an accomplished marathon runner and triathlete, has been a dedicated supporter of the Achilles Freedom Team since 2009. Over the years, he has raced alongside veterans as a guide in multiple marathons and even brought his children into the experience, serving as guides in 5K and 10K events. His long-standing commitment and the impact he has made within the Freedom Team helped inspire this initiative to support even more athletes on their way to their dream start line.

In its inaugural year, the program awarded a total of 111 athletes grants in 2025. From international races, to local 5K events and even a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, these grants are going directly to fund the dream races and experiences of civilian Achilles athletes across the United States. 

This year, two exceptional athletes, Dylan Bourne of Achilles Los Angeles and Anthony Butler of Achilles Charlotte,  were selected to receive our inaugural Breaking Barriers Grants, designed to support a truly iconic, once-in-a-lifetime race adventure. These athlete-guide teams received up to $6,000 to take on a transformative race experience together. These grants recognize not only athletic ambition, but the resilience, partnership, and courage it takes to push beyond perceived limits. We are incredibly proud to support these athletes as they prepare to take on challenges that embody the very spirit of breaking barriers.

Some 2025 grant recipients have already completed their races, while others are still training and preparing for their big moments.

“We want to thank the Cordani family and Achilles for making this incredible experience happen for us. It had been a bucket-list dream for us for a long time, and getting to experience it with the help of Achilles made it even more meaningful,” says Jonathan Aguilar of Achilles New Jersey who recently completed the Reykjavik Northern Lights 5K in Iceland thanks to support from the grant. 

Applications for 2026 are now closed and results will be communicated in late February. Achilles is honored to play a role in helping make those dream races possible.

DJ Robinson, TCS New York City Marathon

“This grant and Achilles proves that people are invested in my success not just for me, but for all Achilles athletes. It eliminates barriers that might otherwise create stress or obstacles. And it allows us to show up fully as ourselves, to share our stories, and to pave the way for future athletes.”

Jonathan and Amy Aguilar, Reykjavik Northern Lights 5K

“We are so grateful to the Cordani Grant and to Achilles New Jersey for helping us make this dream come true! We had the most amazing trip! The race was so unique and exciting. Lights, dancers, fire juggling, music, a marching band and the race even went inside a beautiful cathedral. We also saw Northern lights!”

Beth Sanden, Central Asian Challenge

“These races meant a lot to me, as I was the only adaptive marathon racer. Many people were looking at me and waiting to ask questions about how they can help injured or disabled people in their lives. This grant not only helped me accomplish my goal, but it also helped spread the word about Achilles International and give others hope!”