Inclusive Face of America Bicycle Ride Returns to Washington in April 2014
Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 17, 2013 -- The national non-profit World T.E.A.M. Sports announced today that the Face of America, one of the Washington, D.C. area’s most inclusive and popular bicycle rides, will be returning for its 12th running April 25-27, 2014.
Honoring injured military personnel, the annual bicycle and hand cycle ride brings together disabled and able-bodied individuals who travel the 110-mile, two-day route from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia to the historic Civil War community of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
The cyclists pass through cities and towns both large and small on their two day journey through Virginia, western Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. At about the halfway mark, the riders spend Saturday evening in Frederick, Maryland. The following morning, they head north, arriving in Gettysburg by early afternoon for an outdoor cook-out with family, friends and local community members.
In April 2013, 500 riders from across the United States and Canada participated in the Arlington to Gettysburg route, with another group riding single day metric century rides in the Gettysburg area. The event provides a supportive opportunity for disabled veterans to join with other veterans, active duty military and civilians in an inclusive sporting event. Such rides are therapeutic for the disabled veterans who sacrificed much in their duty to their country, and for the able-bodied riders, who learn about the dedication and challenges of the adaptive veterans.
Originally run in the summer of 2000 as a cross-country bicycle ride, the Face of America was re-routed by World T.E.A.M. Sports in September 2002 as the official commemorative bicycle ride from New York to the Pentagon honoring the victims of the September 2001 attacks on America. In 2006, the ride was adjusted to its current route in support of the veterans who were injured in their service during the wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan. In recent years, veterans from wars and conflicts from Korea and Vietnam, to Bosnia and the Gulf War have participated, many riding hand cycles and recumbent bicycles. More than 100 veterans with disabilities ranging from TBI to PTSD, blindness and loss of limb rode in 2013.
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. Celebrating 20 years in 2013, World T.E.A.M. Sports organizes athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, bicycling, and more. In all events, we include both disabled and able-bodied participants with all participants working as a team to overcome challenges. Our events encourage disabled participants to build self-confidence and physical fitness while providing a role model for other disabled citizens. World T.E.A.M. Sports events also encourage the disabled to take up physical activities and become a moving inspiration to other participants, as well as spectators who see that the disabled can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. We change lives through sports.
Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports, http://worldteamsports.org/, 855-987-8326 Ext: 4, [email protected]
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