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CELEBRITY PARALYMPIANS SIGN ON TO BURLINGTON, Vermont (Aug. 5, 2009) Two of the greatest Paralympic athletes in the world have signed on to participate in the Kelly Brush Century Ride on Sept. 12. Chris Waddell and Sarah Will both plan to ride in the event, raising money to buy adaptive sports equipment for others with spinal cord injury. Waddell and Will join over a dozen other adaptive riders on hand cycles, along with an anticipated 350 road cyclists, participating in the fourth annual ride. “We are thrilled to have two such outstanding athletes joining the Kelly Brush Century Ride,” said Charlie Brush founder and chairman of The Kelly Brush Foundation board of directors. “Sarah and Chris have accomplished so much in both their athletic and professional lives. They are truly inspirational role models. We couldn’t be more pleased to have them riding with us.” Chris Waddell, of Park City, Utah, is the most decorated male skier in Paralympic history, winning twelve medals over four Games. He was a member of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team for 11 years. This fall he will attempt to become the first paraplegic to summit Kilimanjaro in Africa. “Kelly and I have a lot in common,” Waddell said. “We both skied for Middlebury College. We both sustained spinal cord injury in skiing accidents. We are also both passionate about our sport and want to share that passion. In addition to helping get adaptive sports equipment into the hands of adaptive athletes, Kelly’s foundation is working to improve ski racing safety – two goals I wholeheartedly endorse.” Sarah Will, of Edwards, Colo., is the most decorated female mono skier in U.S. Ski Team history. She won a total of 12 Paralympic gold medals and one silver medal throughout her four Paralympic Games. She has just been named to the Olympic Hall of Fame. “I know first hand how sports enriches the lives of those with spinal cord injuries. I’m excited to be a part of an event that raises money to help others like me stay fit and active,” Will said. For both Will and Waddell visiting Vermont will be a homecoming of sorts. While Waddell is a Middlebury College graduate, Will grew up skiing at Pico Mountain and graduated from Green Mountain College. To support Waddell and Will and the Team Ride-On handcycling team, or to register for the ride, please visit www.kellybrushfoundation.org. For more information about Waddell’s Kilimanjaro climb, visit www.one-revolution.com. About the ride: The fourth annual Kelly Brush Century Ride is Saturday, Sept. 12 in Middlebury, Vt. Rolling through the scenic Lake Champlain Valley, the ride benefits spinal cord injury prevention and awareness and funds grants for adaptive sports equipment for those with SCI. The foundation also awards grants for improving ski racing safety. Participants have the option to ride 100, 50 and 25 mile routes. Riders may participate as individuals or teams competing to raise the most money. For the first time this year, teams or individuals raising $5,000 will have a KBF hand cycle grant awarded in their name. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.kellybrushfoundation.org to register. About the foundation: The Kelly Brush Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving ski racing safety, enhancing the quality of life for those with spinal cord injury(SCI) through providing adaptive sports equipment, advancing scientific research on SCI and supporting the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. Kelly Brush, together with her family, started the foundation in 2006 after she sustained a severe spinal cord injury while racing in NCAA Div. 1 competition as a member of the Middlebury College Ski Team in Vermont. The Kelly Brush Foundation affirms Kelly’s ongoing commitment to live life on her own terms and better the lives of others living with SCI. www.kellybrushfoundation.org # # # Click here to download printer friendly pdf ( |
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Home | Mission Statement | Kelly's Story | Make a Donation | Programs | Apply For a Grant | Photo Gallery | Kelly in the News | Century Bike Ride | Training Plan | Useful Links/Sponsors | Contact/Guestbook | Press Room © 2006 Kelly Brush Foundation |
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