On June 14, New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba, New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Matthew Sapolin and New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe will introduce the New York City Achilles Tandem Bike Program in Central Park. Throughout the summer and fall, Achilles International will offer two events each month where participants - who suffer either visual impairment or other disabilities - can ride tandem bicycles with able-bodied riders. Disabled athletes will ride tandem with the expert guidance of an Achilles International volunteer who has been trained by program partner Bike New York. The program kicks off at 10:00am this Saturday on the 72nd Street transverse in Central Park. Tandem Bike Program events are free and open to the public.

"For 25 years, Achilles International has provided disabled athletes with opportunities to engage in healthy athletic competitions and events throughout the city," said Commissioner Podziba. "The Achilles Tandem Bike Program will further expand on the current programs that Achilles International offers and serve as a forum for disabled athletes to learn the skills needed to participate in quintessential New York events such as the Five Boro Bike Tour. Tandem cycling is a wonderful way for people with disabilities to exercise, have fun and bond with able-bodied friends or loved ones."

"The Sports Commission shares the Parks Department's goal to engage as many New Yorkers in fun and fitness in our City parks," said Parks Commissioner Benepe. "The Tandem Bike Program is another outstanding example of the many accessible opportunities offered by New York City - from wheelchair basketball, to sit aerobics to quad rugby. Come out and play!"

In order to learn the proper technique required for riding a tandem bicycle, the Achilles Tandem Bike Program will offer tandem bicycle educational sessions led by trained staff members. These instructive demonstrations are great opportunities for potential riders to see if a tandem bicycle successfully fits their needs. The twice-monthly rides will enable people with visual and other disabilities to experience the benefits of cycling.

"As a visually impaired athlete, riding a tandem bicycle has not only helped me lead an active and healthy lifestyle, but it has also provided me with adventures that I would have otherwise never thought possible," said New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Matthew Sapolin. "The spirit of competition is the driving force behind the goals of many athletes, but you don't have to be competing to achieve a healthier lifestyle and unbelievable experiences. Through the use of a tandem bicycle, I have forged unforgettable relationships that have created memories I will cherish forever."

The Achilles Tandem Bike Program was inspired by Artie Elefant, a 63-year-old Achilles International athlete who lost most of his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa over twenty years ago and was recently diagnosed with chronic lymphoncytic leukemia. In spite of these obstacles, Elefant continues to train and compete in various endurance events, including marathons, triathlons, and bike tours with the assistance of volunteer guides from Achilles International.

"I am a visually challenged 61 year old male, but nearly 20 years ago my loss of vision forced me to stop riding my bike," said Achilles Tandem Bike Program Coordinator Artie Elefant. "Thanks to Achilles Tandem Bike Program, I am back on the road again enjoying the feel of the wind in my face and the open road. I am now able to create an entirely new set of memories and experiences, which is why tandem biking can be so great for a visually challenged person such as myself or any other person with adaptive sports needs. There really isn't anything as rewarding as feeling the terrain of the road and the smell and sounds of the world as you ride through it--feelings that I have only recently rediscovered through the joys of tandem biking."

Achilles International owns 12 tandem bicycles throughout the five boroughs, and its program of bi-weekly rides will be available for Achilles International members of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.

The City of New York is committed to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and recreational activities. The New York City Sports Commission published a book entitled Exercise Your Ability: The Ultimate Guide to Sports and Recreation for People with Disabilities, which serves as a resource guide to help people with disabilities gain access to sporting activities throughout the United States. The book is free and available to anyone interested in participating in adaptive sports throughout the United States. For more information about how to get a copy of Exercise Your Ability please visit our website at www.nyc.gov/sports or call (212) 487-7120.

Achilles International membership is free of charge and open to anyone with a physical disability. For information on how to become an Achilles International member, please visit http://achillestrackclub.org/involved/members/become.html.

Achilles International was founded in 1983 by current CEO Dick Traum who was the first runner to complete a marathon with a prosthetic leg. Now in its 25th year, Achilles has enabled people from all walks of life, including those with physical impairments to enjoy the health giving benefits of exercise in a supportive, social and encouraging environment. In so doing Achilles continues to succeed in promoting personal achievement, enhancing self-esteem and breaking down barriers between people.

Parks & Recreation is the steward of more than 29,000 acres of land - 14 percent of New York City - including more than 4,000 individual properties ranging from Yankee Stadium and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds; we manage four major stadia, 550 tennis courts, 54 public pools, 48 recreational facilities, 17 nature centers, 13 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches; we care for 1,200 monuments and 22 historic house museums; we look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City's principal provider of athletic facilities. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals. For more information about Parks, visit: www.nyc.gov/parks.

The New York City Sports Commission is the mayoral agency charged with attracting, facilitating and promoting professional, amateur and scholastic sports events in New York City. The Sports Commission has played an integral role in creating or developing many new sporting events, including the NFL Kickoff Live from Times Square, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series™ Champions Week, the BMC Software NYC Cycling Championship, the AVP Brooklyn Open, the NAUTICA NYC Triathlon, the NYC Half-Marathon, the Union Square Street Sessions presented by Jeep®, the Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race, and the Men's Health Urbanathlon.

Contacts:

Stewart E Meadowcroft (Achilles) - (212) 354-0300
Jama Adams/Trish Bertuccio (Parks & Recreation) (212) 360-1311
Jeff Mohl (NYC Sports Commission) - (212) 487-6627