Nov 21, 2011

Athletes to Compete in 2011 California International Marathon

Military Service Members and Veterans Included in Competition

November 23, 2011

(Colorado Springs, Colorado)- In partnership with the Sacramento Running Association, the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to host the 3rd Annual USABA National Marathon Championship which will be held in conjunction with the California International Marathon (CIM) on December 4, 2011.  Joining the field of 18 visually impaired competitors this year are Aaron Scheidies (Seattle, WA) and Amy McDonaugh (Irmo, SC).  Aaron is a professional triathlete and is considered the fastest physically challenged triathlete in the world.  Amy is the fastest visually impaired American woman running competitively at the marathon distance and is expected to lead this year’s field of visually impaired athletes.

"The California Marathon is an outstanding opportunity for athletes who are blind and visually impaired to showcase their abilities," said Mark Lucas, USABA Executive Director.

USABA has also entered 4 relay teams into the event including two teams consisting of five Veterans with eye injuries: Lawrence Hooper (Houston, TX), Chess Johnson (Port Orchard, WA) Stephanie Timmer (Naperville, IL), Tom Monroe (Pueblo, CO) and Richard Hunter (Folsom, CA).  “USABA is honored to provide our Veterans the opportunity to experience how sport can lead to a more active lifestyle despite their vision loss,” said USABA Military Sports Program Coordinator, Rich Cardillo.

USABA would also like to thank Dr. Michael Shermer for his continued support of this event and runners who are blind and visually impaired.  This year's national championships is sponsored in part by Dr. Michael Schermer, VSP and the California Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact; Rich Cardillo; Military Sports Program Coordinator
Office: 719-866-3221; Cell: 719-650-2234; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)