Spaulding Rehabilitation and New England Olympians & Paralympians Alumni Association Hosts 'Walk to London 2012'
Boston, MA- As a national leader in care, teaching and research Spaulding has long been an advocate for persons of all abilities to pursue their dreams. Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports Programs have been honored for their service to the community and innovative programming. In 2011, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Programs also became an official Paralympic Sport Club for Massachusetts. As part of the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics, on Thursday, June 14th from 5:30pm-7:30pm Spaulding is partnering with the New England Olympians & Paralympians Alumni Association to be the New England site to host the “Walk to London 2012”, a national celebration of the Olympic Spirit – celebrating America’s legacy of Olympians from past teams and saluting our 2012 United States Olympic Team on their road to London to continue the legacy of champions. In addition there will be a celebration of Olympic Day 2012 at the event.
Approximately 75-100 participants will join the Spaulding Riders Club and Adaptive Sports staff and representatives from the New England Olympians & Paralympians Alumni Association for a 1.5-5K walk or wheel along the Charles River, starting and finishing at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston at 125 Nashua Street. The event is open to the public and participants will be representative of all abilities and from throughout New England.
“Spaulding has a long and rich history of empowering people of all abilities to engage in sports and recreation both as a means of recovery as well as a way to increase their quality of life,” said David Storto, President, Spaulding Rehabilitation. “It’s our honor to host the US Olympic and Paralympic Alumni representatives with the area community to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic ideals and the upcoming games in London.”
The Walk to London 2012 will be led by Olympians from twenty-one Olympian Alumni Chapters across the United States. Each US Olympians chapter will host a one to three mile walk in their community. The Walk will begin with a brief welcome and end with telling the stories of Olympians and Olympic ideas, demonstrating Olympic sports and supporting the Olympians World Fit Program and Olympian’s commitment to lifelong fitness.
“I have been fortunate to receive physical treatment care at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital last year. Thanks to Spaulding and their outstanding care I was able to “get back on the ice” and pursue the abilities of my sport of figure skating. I am honored to participate in this Walk to London 2012 celebrating the Olympic Spirit and the special health care workers of Spaulding Hospital,” said Tina Noyes 1964-1968 Olympian, Figure Skating.
This event is open to the public however any participants are strongly encouraged to use public transportation as no parking can be provided onsite at Spaulding. Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is close to both the North Station and Science Park MBTA stations. For questions or more information call 877-976-SASC (7272).
Where:
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
Adaptive Sports Pier
125 Nashua St
Boston, MA 02114
When:
Thursday June 14th
Registration begins at 5:30pm
Speaking program: begins approximately 6pm
Walk or Roll: 6:15pm-7:30pm
Notable Participants:
Dr. Cheri Blauwet- current Spaulding resident and two time Boston Marathon Women’s Wheel Chair Champion and Gold, Silver and 5-time Bronze Medalist at the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games.
Paralympic Alumni Attending:
Eli Wolff (Soccer), Andy Anderson-Wise (Power Lifter), Maureen McKinnon-Tucker (Sailing), and David Palmer (Curling).
Olympians attending:
Tina Noyes (Figure Skating).