Museum of Aviation Foundation announces partnership with Paralyzed Veterans of America; New Wheelchair and Handcycling Division in Annual Race

The Museum of Aviation Foundation announces a new Partnership with Paralyzed Veterans of America, a national non-profit corporation, and the resulting addition of a Wheelchair and Handcycle Racing Division to the 22nd Marathon event to be held on Saturday, January 13.

Paralyzed Veterans of America has partnered with the Foundation in support of this event by sending 10 members of the National Paralyzed Veterans racing team to participate.

“We are excited to add this race and appreciate the support the Museum of Aviation Foundation is providing,” said Jody Shiflett, the Director of Adaptive Handcycling for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “We are hopeful we will be involved in years to come. We race in 40 to 50 races a year and are thrilled about adding this race.”

Chrissy Miner, Foundation President and CEO, expressed her excitement at the addition. “We are so honored to have members of Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Racing Team participate in our annual race this year,” said Miner. “We are committed to encourage and provide support for recreational and competitive opportunities for disabled veterans and all people with physical disabilities in their pursuit of excellence in athletic competition.”

Handcycling is a form of cycling that enables athletes of all abilities to ride an adaptive bike, operated exclusively by the upper body. Handcycling is one of the newest competitions at the Paralympic Games, and is ideal for people who have limited or no use of their legs.

According to Fabio Villarroel, the acting director of sports and recreation for PVA, the handcycling competition started about seven years ago. “It was a fitness program that eventually developed into a handcycling team. There are 150 active PVA members overall, and because handcycling is such a popular sport, we foresee continuous growth.”

The Foundation would like to give special thanks to the local sponsors of the racing team, Courtyard Marriott of Warner Robins and Candlewood Suites of Warner Robins. They have provided tremendous support to our competing veterans.

The race start time for the handcycle and wheelchair division is 7:50 a.m., with the other races beginning successively. The awards ceremony will be around 10:15 a.m., depending on the completion time of the racers.

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Contact: Sara Koohang, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
skoohang@museumofaviation.org
478-550-7829