PARALYMPIC HOPEFULS HELP LEAD CAF SPORT CLINICS AT NIKE WORLD HEADQUARTERS
Nike, Challenged Athletes Foundation and Össur Partner to Provide Coaching for Össur Running and Mobility Clinic Presented by CAF, CAF Swim and CAF Sitting Volleyball Clinics
San Diego, Calif. — May 21, 2016 — More than 70 individuals with physical challenges from the Pacific Northwest gathered on Saturday, May 21, at the Nike World Headquarters for three Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) clinics. Three Paralympic hopefuls assisted in the clinics throughout the day, including CAF spokesperson, Team Össur and Nike Athlete Sarah Reinertsen (above-knee amputee, paratriathlon), CAF Senior Programs Manager and Össur Ambassador Travis Ricks (above-knee amputee, sitting volleyball) and Sam Surowiec (above-knee amputee, sitting volleyball). Also on-site was Össur Ambassador, marathon runner and teacher Jami Marseilles (below-knee double amputee).
Össur, CAF, Nike and Adaptive Sports Northwest presented the clinics at no cost to people with physical challenges of all ages and skill levels in the Pacific Northwest, providing opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
Individuals with physical challenges including 13 kids participated in the Össur Running and Mobility Clinic Presented by CAF at the Nike World Headquarters to achieve their running and mobility goals. Photo: CAF
The day kicked off with the Össur Running and Mobility Clinic Presented by CAF. World-renowned experts in lower limb amputee mobility Dr. Bob Gailey and Peter Harsch taught new and experienced amputees how to achieve their running and mobility goals – whether learning to walk again, or fine-tuning their speed skills in sprinting. Participants were supported by dozens of local volunteers including Nike employees, who worked side-by-side with Team Össur, Össur Ambassador, CAF mentors and World Champion Parathletes at one of the top sports fields in the country. The event, organized through a partnership between CAF and Össur, a global leader in prosthetics innovation, provided a safe and encouraging environment where attendees learn proper running form and technique through fun drills and exercises.
The clinic began with a special grant presentation of two custom-built Össur Flex-Run feet with Nike Soles to new grantee and congenital bilateral below-knee amputee, Alexzya “Lexzy” Boyd. An amputee since birth, 15-year-old highschool freshman Lexzy loves to run and plans to participate in cross country and track, wearing her new state-of-the-art Össur Flex Run running legs.
The moment “Lexzy” was surprised by her two new Össur Flex-Run feet with Nike Soles by Tommy Kain (fourth from left), VP, Nike North America Sports Marketing and member of Nike’s Ability* Network, Sarah Reinertsen (second from left), double amputee, CAF spokesperson, Team Össur and Nike Athlete, and Össur Program Manager Elizabeth VanderWeerd (left). Photo: Nike
“I know I can run faster and I know I can truly go the distance. I just need something to help take my running to the next level and help me keep up with the fastest in my group,” said Lexzy. “I know that these new running legs can help me take my running to the next level.”
Lexzy continued, “Forever be your best and be proud of your body. I’m proud to be me.”
“Össur is dedicated to continually innovate so that more people may enjoy life without limitations. We are pleased to have partnered with CAF over the past two decades, and to offer Össur Running and Mobility Clinics presented by CAF like this one across the nation, which continue to grow in scale and attendance each year. We are inspired by everyone who attends these clinics, including young people like Lexzy, who pursue their dreams of enjoying the full benefits of mobility and physical activity,” said Kim De Roy, CPO/PT, Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Education, Prosthetics for Össur Americas.
Clinic participants also took part in the CAF Swim Clinic that provided instruction by elite coaches. Plus, CAF’s first-ever Sitting Volleyball Clinic showcased a Paralympic sport that can be played by physically challenged and able-bodied players alike.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Össur and Nike to provide the necessary skills and like-minded community so that people of all abilities have access to live an active, healthy lifestyle,” said CAF CEO Bill Geppert.
CAF’s partnership with Nike began in 1994 when CAF was born. As one of the first sponsors of CAF’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge, Nike donated running shoes and has continued to provide product donations and financial support over the last 23 years that underwrite event costs and benefit CAF athletes. Together with CAF, Nike has granted 39 people with physical challenges the adaptive equipment, training and competition expenses to provide them access to sport.
“Powered by our long-standing partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Össur, we’re able to bring inspiration and innovation to even more athletes in the Pacific Northwest through mobility clinics,” said Tommy Kain, VP, Nike North America Sports Marketing and member of Nike’s Ability* Network. “This event today reinforces the incredible power sport can have on the lives of kids. We look forward to hosting even more athletes in the years to come.”
More photos are available here- https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ogeqqkco36hsq4/AADczjCozhbMDzyRjT8mfSfGa?dl=0
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $73 million has been raised and over 13,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.
About Össur
Össur (NASDAQ: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that help people live a life without limitations. Its business is focused on improving people’s mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies within the fields of Prosthetic, Osteoarthritis and Injury Solutions. A recognized “Technology Pioneer,” Össur invests significantly in research and product development—its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position in the market. Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered via Össur’s educational programs and business solutions. Headquartered in Iceland, Össur has major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with additional distributors worldwide. To learn more, visit www.ossur.com.
About Nike
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE’s earnings releases and other financial information are available at http://investors.nike.com. Individuals can also visit http://news.nike.com/ and follow @Nike.