Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
Achilles Arkansas is ready to run, walk and roll.
The mission of Achilles International, the parent chapter of this Fayetteville organization, is to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection by enabling people “with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics.”
The Achilles International program was started in New York by Dick Traum in 1983. This was after he became the first amputee to complete the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon in 1976.
Since that first chapter was established, more than 65 chapters have been started internationally and within the United States, supporting 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.
Achilles Arkansas
Mary Dean and Elise Wyatt established the Achilles Arkansas chapter in 2019.
Dean, an occupational therapist who lived in New York City for five years stumbled across the New York City chapter by chance. While going for a run in Central Park, she saw the group and immediately took an interest.
Her professional background as an occupational therapist and her love of running drew her to the organization. Dean started volunteering and through that program ran two marathons as a guide to a runner with a visual disability.
After Dean moved back to Arkansas, she saw the wealth of great running trails and biking trails but noticed a lack of opportunities for individuals with disabilities. So, she decided to start an Achilles chapter here. Her positive experience with the group in New York helped her to know that there was a need. She called the central office there to get the process started.
Two days after Dean called, Elise Wyatt, also a Northwest Arkansas resident, called to inquire on how to start a chapter. The two had never met. After getting together, they got the organization rolling as co-founders and started meeting Saturday mornings at Lake Fayetteville.
Achilles Arkansas is organized to where volunteers are paired with an athlete who has a disability and acts as their partner and guide for their individual workout. The volunteers become a buddy and support for the Arkansas participants. Each workout is varied and catered to the individual with a disability. On a typical Saturday in Fayetteville, there are 20 volunteers who show up and approximately 10 individuals with disabilities. Many of the participants have run in their very first 5k, 10k, or even half marathon after being a part of the organization. The group is inclusive for all abilities and anyone is welcome to join. Though it is targeted toward adults with disabilities, younger participants are not turned away.
Achilles Arkansas has been successful in getting the equipment needed for several athletes. They have been able to help acquire handcycles, prosthetics, and even side-by-side bikes that enable them to be active ad participate. But this is an organization set up to truly help and serve others in more ways than physical activity. Social support and encouragement alone are a valuable asset to anyone.
How to Get Involved
Volunteers are needed and always welcome. In addition to running or walking alongside an individual, they take pictures, fill water bottles, help get the necessary equipment and act as encouragers and supporters for everyone.
During the school year, the majority of volunteers are university students, but when the university is on holiday breaks, Achilles Arkansas needs more local help. They meet on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and it only lasts about an hour. This would be a great way to get involved in the community and support others.
For more information:
Contact: Mary Dean / Elise Wyatt
Telephone: 314-807-5935 (Mary Dean)
Email: achillesarkansas@gmail.com
Facebook: Achilles Arkansas
Instagram: @AchillesArkansas
Meet info: Saturdays, 9 a.m. at Lake Fayetteville boat docks
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Amanda Farris
It's April, that time of year when excitement fills the air and nature...
The first official day of spring is not until March 19th, but Arkansas...
Don't let the February chill freeze your fun! Warm up with exciting...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment