Achilles is a worldwide organisation whose
mission is to enable people with all types
of disabilities to participate in mainstream
athletics, promote personal achievement,
enhance self-esteem and lower barriers.
In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee
amputee, found himself approaching middle
age and out of shape. After joining a local
YMCA, Dick began running – small distances
at first and then, eventually several miles.
Within a year, Dick became the first amputee
to run the New York City Marathon. The
experience was life changing, bringing a
powerful sense of achievement and
self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide
that same opportunity to other people with
disabilities, Dick created the Achilles
Track Club, now called Achilles
International.
Today, this non-profit organization
has chapters and members in over 65
locations including New Zealand.
Achilles International New Zealand
give people with disabilities an
opportunity to participate in
mainstream events like Round the
Bays, giving the opportunity to
participate with able-bodied
athletes.
The New York Marathon is the
pinnacle of events attended by
Achilles International New Zealand
and we have taken athletes to this
prestigious event every year since
1993, all have finished and have
taken between 2 hours and 23 hours
to complete the 42km distance, some
pushed wheelchairs, some did it on
crutches, some couldn’t see and ran
with guides, but all had the same
goal and that was to finish and get
the medal that says you are that
special person “A Marathon Runner”
so recognise me as a full human
being.
This years participants include Mike
Lloyd, a blind athlete competing
with Mike McRoberts, TV newsreader
as his guide, Andrew Moreton will be
guiding blind athlete Hannah Pascoe
and newsreader Niva Retimanu will be
accompanying a stroke victim on her
marathon attempt.