Kessler Foundation 10k Attracts Athletes from Africa

2011-05-17 09:07:22 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes from Africa compete in the Foundation's Wheelchair 10k in their quest for the Paralympics!

The 11th Annual Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10k, the wheelchair division of the Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run, on Monday, May 30, will have its first racers from Africa. Kessler Foundation is sponsoring two athletes from Ghana. Other athletes from the Ghanaian and Nigerian National wheelchair racing teams are also expected to compete in the race.

To qualify for the Paralympics, athletes must compete in a set number of certified races. The lack of resources, both financial and geographic, has made it difficult for the Ghanaian and Nigerian teams to participate on the level necessary to gain entrance into international competition such as the Paralympics. By competing in the Kessler Foundation 10k, one of the largest certified wheelchair races in the U.S., they will come closer to reaching full qualification.

Rodger DeRose, President and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation, said, “We are excited to have incredible athletes from Africa compete in the Kessler Foundation 10k and hope it will help them accomplish their greater athletic goals. This shows that our 10k is an internationally recognized race.”

Sam Aidoo, technical director of the Paralympics Committee of Ghana, worked to develop sports for people with disabilities in Ghana to focus national attention on disability issues in Ghana. By highlighting the accomplishments of athletes with disabilities, Aidoo and his racers have changed how disability is viewed in Ghana and, as a result, have improved the status of people with disabilities. 

The Ridgewood Run has taken place every Memorial Day for the past 35 years. The wheelchair division, which is made possible through the sponsorship of Kessler Foundation, kicks off the event with the runners starting 5 minutes later. It is one of the few races where wheelchair racers and runners simultaneously compete on the same track.

The Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10k attracts more than 35 national and international wheelchair athletes. Racers from Kessler Foundation sponsored adult and junior athletic teams—the WheelBlazers and the North Jersey Navigators—will also compete. The race starts at Graydon Pool in Ridgewood at 8:40 a.m.

About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation’s fundamental strategy is to link science and grantsmanship so that people with disabilities can lead more productive, independent and fulfilling lives. Kessler Foundation Research Center conducts research that improves quality of life for persons with injuries of the spinal cord and brain, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. Kessler Foundation Program Center has provided more than $20 million in funding to a variety of employment-related projects that are benefiting veterans, young adults, students and others with physical and cognitive disabilities.

For more information, visit http://www.KesslerFoundation.org

                                                               ###

Kessler Foundation Contacts:
Lauren Scrivo
973.324.8384

Carolann Murphy, PA
973.324.8382

For more information, contact:
Deb Hauss, [email protected]
Carolann Murphy, [email protected]

Stay Connected with Kessler Foundation
X (formerly known as Twitter) | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | SoundCloud