International Group To Provide Exercise Community For Athletes, Veterans With Disabilities

A global organization launched a local chapter in August for athletes and veterans with disabilities to join a running and walking community along the B&A Trail.

Achilles International’s mission is to “transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection.” Volunteers serve as guide runners and walkers for members. They also provide essential physical guidance and safety support as they navigate outdoor conditions and traffic.

Gabrielle Gallant, co-founder of the new Annapolis chapter, said there was a gap in the area for athletes with disabilities who want to be active and challenge themselves.

“We have a lot of blind people and disabled veterans in the area that are looking for a way to get out in the community and enjoy the weather and the beautiful place that is Annapolis,” said Gallant, a hospital administration student at MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing.

Achilles International has chapters in 18 countries including the U.S., where it is active in 19 states and Washington, D.C. The organization, founded in 1983, has helped over 150,000 athletes participate in endurance events.

As of mid-August, three athletes and 13 volunteers have joined the Annapolis chapter, which plans to hold weekly practices on Sundays.

Locally, the organization plans to add cycling options such as adaptive, recumbent, hand cycle, and push bikes, according to chapter co-founder Marie-Pierre Delisle.

A professor at the Naval Academy, Delisle shared that it is inspirational to watch athletes and veterans with disabilities work out and support one another.

“To be able to run alongside someone and help them achieve their goal, that’s such an amazing thing and so inspiring to see them do that,” she said. “At the same time, you have a higher level of stress when you’re guiding than when you’re just doing it for yourself. So I think the combination of those two makes it even more incredible.”

Achilles International isn’t just for athletes, according to Delisle.

“Any athletes with disabilities, any people with disabilities that feel like they might not be fit enough to join or they’re nervous about it, (I would) just encourage them to come,” Delisle said. “Any ability level is welcome, and we really work with athletes for whatever will best serve them.”

Mark Delmege, a contractor, was diagnosed with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in July 2006. LHON is a rare genetic disease that causes an individual to suddenly lose their vision. Delmege lost his central vision but still has peripheral vision.

Delmege, who started running 17 years ago, joined Achilles International to connect with other members with disabilities. He said the organization is one of the best groups he’s joined.

“I discovered Achilles (International) and learned there’s so many other individuals with visual impairments or just other disabilities who love to run and it’s just a big outlet for them,” Delmege said. “There’s people who would give their time to guide … us who need the assistance. It’s just a fantastic organization.”

Members with similar disabilities who love to run offer relatability and inspiration, and establish a strong bond within the community, according to Delmege.

“Years ago when I was a runner, a marathon was never something that was in my thoughts or my sights,” he said. “Now that I know that other people with low vision have done it, that’s what kind of made it more cement in my head, like, ‘Oh, you can definitely accomplish this because other people know they should have done this as well.’”

Delmege is training for the 26.2-mile Ocean City Running Festival marathon this year. Running is therapy for Delmege. It’s how he gets through life, he said.

“Running to me has … kept me mentally in check, and it’s definitely one of the best … outlets I’ve ever found in life,” he said.

Achilles International offers funding programs for athletes and veterans to participate in races.

Athletes of all ages can join Achilles International. Individuals under 18 can become volunteers with parent permission and supervision. The Annapolis chapter will meet again September 6 at 8:00am in the parking lot next to the former Severna Park Rite Aid on Jones Station Road.