2018 World T.E.A.M. Annual Review 2018 World T.E.A.M. Annual Review | Page 11

city’s square, and back south through the battlefields to the Eisenhower Hotel and the ride conclusion. Face of America in its purest has always celebrated the exceptional abilities of adaptive athletes who seek nothing less than to be treated as equals. Though many sporting organizations offer adaptive categories, Face of America is one of only a few that welcomes adaptive athletes to participate alongside the able-bodied. This simple action empowers all participants. Adaptive athletes gain confidence in their abilities and seek other challenging sports, while the able-bodied recognize that adaptive individuals are not “disabled” in the traditional sense, but “differently-abled.” The program’s long history of exceptional cycling challenges has reached tens of thousands since the inaugural cross-country ride in the summer of 2000. From teams from both coasts meeting beneath the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis on the western bank of the Mississippi River, to remembering and honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks upon America, to today’s program that honors military veterans who have become disabled in their service, Face of America is a celebration of teamwork and coming together as a nation and a way of life. On the open road, participants have the opportunity to get to know each other in a manner today’s often- compartmentalized society does not otherwise offer. Military veterans, civilians, young adults, successful businessmen and women, adaptive and able-bodied, American, Canadian, or European – Face of America offers a friendly, supportive environment where these groups can come together. TEAM > INDIVIDUAL 7