Bronx chapter of Achilles International builds stamina and community
Every Wednesday night, athletes who are part of the Bronx chapter of Achilles International hit the track and trails in Pelham Bay Park.
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A run club in the Bronx is building stamina and bonds through its inclusive community.
Every Wednesday night, athletes who are part of the Bronx chapter of Achilles International hit the track and trails in Pelham Bay Park.
The global organization combines fitness and social connection to transform the lives of people with disabilities.
"We convene athletes with physical disabilities and able-bodied individuals to run together, walk together, build community and also just get some exercise," said Ariel Fishman, who leads the Bronx chapter.
Fishman is a double amputee and has been a part of Achilles for nearly a decade.
"I was in a car accident about 13 years ago and lost both of my legs below the knee, so after getting a set of running prosthetic legs, I've been able to return to athletic activity and I'm now Weekend warrior, and I go running as often as I can," said Fishman.
He noticed a lack of access in the Bronx, so he partnered with students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to bring the fitness club to the borough.
Student guides like Rebekah Epstein support athletes with a variety of disabilities.
"I remember how hard it was for me to start running when i first started with my siblings growing up, and to do that with barriers to access with difficulty to seeing and things like that it's really cool to be a part of the community," said Epstein.
Achilles Bronx is expanding its program for athletes and guides.
"If you have a disability of any type, you are as entitled to anybody to participate in athletic activity, and sometimes you just need community to do that," said Fishman.
