Worldwide running organisation Achilles will launch in Geelong this September with a guided run and walk through Eastern Park.
Founded in New York in 1983, Achilles’ mission is to make running and walking more accessible to people with disabilities, including visual impairment, through the support of volunteer aides.
The Geelong chapter of Achilles will hold its inaugural event at Eastern Park on September 8, supporting local people with disabilities to enjoy a Sunday morning walk or run around the park.
Local runner and councillor Eddy Kontelj, who is heading the Achilles team, said he had been inspired after learning the impact Achilles was having in Melbourne.
“The reason I think it’s important and the way I became passionate about it and felt it was something that would really be welcomed in Geelong is, first of all, because I’m a really enthusiastic runner,” he said.
“Any opportunity I can take to run, I do so, and I know what I would feel like if running was taken away from me. So when I saw what Achilles Melbourne was doing I thought, if there are people out there that want to run but are prevented from doing so because of their disability, why couldn’t we try to help them?
“The service it will provide is to allow people to follow their love and passion of running, walking and hiking with the aid of a guide and being able to do that safely.”
“We would really encourage people to spread the word, because we’d really like to make this a success for Geelong going forward.”
To get involved as a runner, walker or volunteer contact Achilles Geelong at geelongachillesaustralia@gmail.com or on 0474 243 179.
