TD Bank and Achilles International are proud to announce the first-ever Achilles Virtual Hope & Possibility® 5K/10-Miler presented by TD Bank. The virtual race will take place from July 18-26, giving participants across the country the flexibility of running, walking or wheeling the race where they live and around their schedules. The event will conclude on July 26, coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This year's virtual event was born out of a desire to provide individuals with disabilities and all runners access to a mainstream sporting event while maintaining physical distance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon registration, participants will simply choose their distance, track their distance using a timer or GPS app, and upload their time once completed between July 18 – 26. This is the second year of the TD Bank and Achilles International sponsorship.
Inspired by The New York Times bestselling memoir, I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope & Possibility, written by Achilles founding board member Trisha Meili, the race is founded on the conviction that athletic competition unites people of all abilities, all colors and all backgrounds. This message is more important than ever before, as our society comes face to face with the growing demands for racial justice and more equity in health care as COVID-19 has significantly impacted our underprivileged population.
Hope & Possibility reflects the possibilities of what could be—a world that values all people.
"Hope & Possibility is more than just a race—it's a way to connect with one another, to unite and to celebrate through sport," said Andrew Bregenzer, Regional President, Metro NY at TD Bank. "This year, we are particularly proud to sponsor the Hope & Possibility Virtual 5K/10-Miler and support Achilles International and the work they do in supporting individuals with disabilities, here in New York and around the country."
The Achilles Virtual Hope & Possibility® 5K/10-Miler is open to everyone and has attracted athletes with disabilities from around the world, including wounded veterans, many of whom have incurred multiple amputations or traumatic brain injuries from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among the race's most notable milestones, Prince Harry helped a wounded veteran quadruple amputee cross the finish line in 2010. This year, all proceeds will support Achilles International, a 501 (c) (3) not for profit with a mission to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection.
"The Achilles Virtual Hope & Possibility® 5K/10-Miler presented by TD Bank, at its core, is based on the power of collective action and understanding. Achilles is proud to partner with TD Bank, a company whose commitment to diversity and inclusion mirrors our own,” said Emily Glasser, President and CEO of Achilles International.
This sponsorship grows out of TD’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion as embodied by its corporate citizenship platform, TD Ready Commitment, which aims to build vibrant and connected communities across its North American footprint, opening doors for people of all abilities and backgrounds to succeed with confidence in a changing world.
For more information and to register, visit https://events.elitefeats.com/achilles20
About Achilles International
Achilles International is a global organization serving 25,000 athletes with disabilities in over 48 chapters in 24 countries. In the US, there are 27 chapters in 19 states. Achilles athletes have disabilities that include amputations, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, autism and visual impairment. Since 1983, Achilles International has played a powerful role in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, as well as providing life-changing opportunities for achievement.
About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9.5 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,220 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.