Capital to Capital: The Inspiring CanAm Veterans' Challenge from World T.E.A.M. Sports

By Van Brinson, Richard Rhinehart, Marki Burnett and 6 more

The CanAm Veterans' Challenge from World T.E.A.M. Sports traveled 766 miles in 16 days from Ottawa, Ontario to Washington, D.C. Along this inspiring journey by bicycle, hand cycle and recumbent bicycle, the 15 participating injured veterans from Canada, the United States and Denmark rode with nine able-bodied riders and became a team. Arriving in Washington on July 4, the ride showed that persons with disabilities can lead productive lives and accomplish truly remarkable athletic feats.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483544175

Book preview

D.C.

INTRODUCTION

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORTS

World T.E.A.M. Sports believes in the power of the TEAM. Pairing athletes with and without disabilities to accomplish a common goal forces each to rely on the strength of the other and brings out the best of both. For more than 20 years, our non-profit organization has worked to create unique events that push boundaries. Our CanAm Veterans’ Challenge is no exception.

This ride covers nearly 800 miles and includes some incredibly challenging terrain. It requires a monumental level of commitment, but for the men and women you will meet in the following pages, this commitment is second to that already made to their country and to their service. Each wrote a blank check to their respective governments for an amount up to, and including, their lives to maintain the freedom their countrymen enjoy.

The CanAm Veterans’ Challenge is not just a bike ride. It is an opportunity for wounded veterans to come together and use the healing power of a bike to move closer to the lives they left behind. This ride is an opportunity to demonstrate that the injuries they endured may be life altering, but they are not life-ending. It is an opportunity to reach out to their fellow veterans and show them that anything is possible with the proper team around you. And in doing so, this small group of people makes a lasting impact on the rest of us.

Van Brinson

President and CEO

World T.E.A.M. Sports

The team at Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario with Canadian Member of Parliament Erin O’Toole.

Riding south to Washington D.C. from Ottawa.

CHAPTER ONE

THE EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETE MATTERS

Every action does have a ripple effect, and it does go out and change the world forever. If we had positive actions, positive things that we did would change the world forever. And perhaps, provide unexpected positive impacts.

James Benson

Chairman

World T.E.A.M. Sports

The premise of the CanAm Veterans’ Challenge is simple: a team of military veterans from the United States and Canada join together as a team to ride bicyles, hand cycles and recumbent bicycles from the capital of Canada to the capital of the United States. This nearly 800 mile journey provides a unique opportunity for these veterans to learn more about themselves, creates a sense of community, and inspires individuals with disabilities and those who are able-bodied to overcome obstacles. For World T.E.A.M. Sports, such inclusive events are nothing new – the Long Island, New York-based non-profit organization has been creating and managing such events since before its corporate founding in 1993. World T.E.A.M. athletes have climbed high mountains, cycled across countries (and around the world), paddled sea kayaks along coasts, competed in challenging adventure sports events and participated in events as varied as triathlons, marathons and winter sports. At each event, athletes with disabilities are included with those who are able-bodied to create a team.

Jeffery Henson and other riders greet local veterans in New York State.

With the onset of the Global War Against Terror following the 2001 attacks on America, the leadership of World T.E.A.M. Sports recognized that the number of persons with disabilities would grow exponentially in the coming years. Military veterans returning to their homes following their service would include persons with physical injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, blindness and paralysis, as well as persons with psychological and emotional injuries, including post-traumatic stress and depression. For many of these veterans, returning home also would mean the separation from their colleagues and friends with whom they lived and worked together in times of crisis and calm. This separation for many veterans is traumatic – even in this age of email, social media and texting. Reintegrating with civilian society, with families, friends and the uncertainties of regular day-to-day life can be troublesome for many, and powerfully overwhelming for a few.

In 2002, the organization decided to rededicate its cross-country Face of America bicycle and hand cycle ride as the official 9/11 Commemorative Ride. This ride, from Ground Zero in New York to the Pentagon, recognized and honored the many military and civilian heroes who have defended the country, and attracted thousands of participants in 2002 and 2003. In April 2006, this ride was redirected to a Washington to Gettysburg route, to also remember and honor veterans who died in past wars and conflicts, including America’s Civil War.

Gathering at Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario.

From the foundation of the Face of America, additional events for injured veterans were created and run as a part of the organization’s Military Initiative. These included the 2009 Coastal Team Challenge along the Pacific Northwest coast with Canadian and American veterans, and the Sea to Shining Sea cross-country