World T.E.A.M. Sports 2017 Annual Review 2017 World T.E.A.M. Annual Review | Page 17

Our athletes defy limits every day.
29.9% live with multiple physical injuries and illness
21.7% live with traumatic brain injury
7.2% live with spinal injury and paralysis
6.7% live with post-traumatic stress
2.7% live with amputation of a limb
1.8% live with blindness
to protect the athletes from
unknowing drivers. Every 10 to 12
miles, the athletes arrive at a rest
stop, where enthusiastic volunteers
offer food and water for refreshment
and athletes take a moment to
climb out of the saddle and recover.
Dismounting their bikes in
Gettysburg Sunday afternoon,
riders only have lunch and a cold
beer on their minds. Athletes relive
the events of the weekend on the
bus ride back home. Their shared
experiences on the road with
athletes from the United States,
Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe and
Australia have brought together
a diverse group. Civilians, military
veterans, active-duty military, and
first responders, both able-bodied
and adaptive, recognize their
weekend was out of the ordinary
and that their lives have changed
as a result.
For the adaptive veterans, they
understand that sports and outdoor
activities are worth pursuing.
Improved physical fitness and
positive attitudes can help them
manage the many challenges
NO LIMITS
of life. For the able-bodied, riding
with individuals who live with
paralysis, amputation, blindness,
Post Traumatic Stress, deafness
and Traumatic Brain Injuries changes
their perspective. Inspired by the
determination and perseverance
of their adaptive colleagues, the
able-bodied recognize that living
with a disability does not prevent
participation in endurance events.
Indeed, the determination of these
adaptive athletes encourages the
able-bodied to invite others to
undertake athletic challenges.
Supported by leading corporate
and non-profit partners, Face
of America excels in that the
ride encourages conversation
and understanding. There are no
limits to inspiration or to breaking
down barriers that may otherwise
separate different geographic or
demographic communities. Mile
after mile, pedaling side by side,
new networks of support lasting
long after the journey home.
Athletes understand they are not
facing life alone and can reach
out for assistance and guidance.
In 2017, over 600 athletes
completed the two-day ride.
Face of America is World T.E.A.M.’s
most popular and largest athletic
event, with proceeds supporting
not only the ride, but also in other
outdoor events outdoor events
in the coming year.
Building upon the success
of the Gettysburg ride, Face of
America Liberty debuted in October.
A single-day journey from the
United States Military Academy at
West Point, athletes cycled south
along the Hudson River to New
Jersey. They transferred by ferry
to Manhattan and pedaled to the
World Trade Center and its solemn
reflecting pools.
In September 2002 and 2003,
Face of America began at this
location, traveling three days
to the Pentagon. The return to
Manhattan recalled these earlier
journeys and honored the military
veterans who have given their lives
or who have been i njured in service
since the September 11 attacks.
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