Photo: Kyle McFadden, The Baltimore Sun In Courtney Mann’s bedroom there’s a collection of gaudy trophies, ribbons and medals- the byproduct of a decorated running career. A senior at Howard High School this spring, Mann has established herself as one of the state’s top distance runners over the last four years.
And yet, for her lengthy list of accomplishments, which includes a pair of outdoor track county titles this spring, Mann said she found just as much gratification while taking time to run outside the spotlight.
It is through her participation in Athletes Serving Athletes, a charity-funded, nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to train and compete in mainstream running and triathlon events, that Mann finds a state of serenity.
“I wanted to do something with [running] other than compete, which is still something I love to do,” said Mann, who will run cross country and track at the University of Maryland starting in the fall. “[Athletes Serving Athletes] helps me recognize the values of these athletes I’m helping. They’re similar, if not identical, to my own. That’s something I’ve gained a lot from this program. … Every race, there’s always a new moment. A new thing that reminds me this is why I do this.”
(Read the entire article HERE)
And yet, for her lengthy list of accomplishments, which includes a pair of outdoor track county titles this spring, Mann said she found just as much gratification while taking time to run outside the spotlight.
It is through her participation in Athletes Serving Athletes, a charity-funded, nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to train and compete in mainstream running and triathlon events, that Mann finds a state of serenity.
“I wanted to do something with [running] other than compete, which is still something I love to do,” said Mann, who will run cross country and track at the University of Maryland starting in the fall. “[Athletes Serving Athletes] helps me recognize the values of these athletes I’m helping. They’re similar, if not identical, to my own. That’s something I’ve gained a lot from this program. … Every race, there’s always a new moment. A new thing that reminds me this is why I do this.”
(Read the entire article HERE)
Photo: John Meyer, The Denver Post BOULDER — As a steady stream of exhausted athletes crossed the finish line of the Ironman Boulder, the volume of cheers rose Sunday at 10:30 p.m. to welcome James Banks and David Slomkowski to the end of their long ordeal.
The duo from Baltimore had begun 15 hours and 45 minutes earlier. Banks, whom Slomkowski pulled and pushed for more than 140 miles, smiled broadly after a finish-area volunteer hung the Ironman medal from his neck. Banks, 18, has cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
“Booyah!” a group of friends shouted, knowing that is Banks’ favorite word for expressing happiness.
“Booyah!” he replied to whoops and hollers.
“You are an Ironman!” someone shouted.
Slomkowski founded Athletes Serving Athletes in Baltimore a decade ago after being inspired by the story of Team Hoyt. Dick Hoyt has pushed and pulled son Rick, who has cerebral palsy, through 72 marathons and seven Ironmans. Banks was one of ASA’s first athletes, and it was a “dream come true” for Slomkowski to give him the Ironman experience.
(Read the entire article HERE)
The duo from Baltimore had begun 15 hours and 45 minutes earlier. Banks, whom Slomkowski pulled and pushed for more than 140 miles, smiled broadly after a finish-area volunteer hung the Ironman medal from his neck. Banks, 18, has cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
“Booyah!” a group of friends shouted, knowing that is Banks’ favorite word for expressing happiness.
“Booyah!” he replied to whoops and hollers.
“You are an Ironman!” someone shouted.
Slomkowski founded Athletes Serving Athletes in Baltimore a decade ago after being inspired by the story of Team Hoyt. Dick Hoyt has pushed and pulled son Rick, who has cerebral palsy, through 72 marathons and seven Ironmans. Banks was one of ASA’s first athletes, and it was a “dream come true” for Slomkowski to give him the Ironman experience.
(Read the entire article HERE)
