Oswego, NY – With determination, vigor and every ounce of courage she could find, Julie Moss crawled across the finish line of the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1982. Ironically, it took her televised crawl-to-the-finish for the sport to elevate its status amongst sports and sporting events.
The challenge is what makes the Triathlon appealing, but after Moss’ inspirational race in 1982, it is not winning the race that matters, it is finishing.
Oswego, New York will host this upcoming weekend’s inaugural Tri-Oswego Triathlon, and 247 triathletes will swim, bike and run their way to the finish line. Their determination and athleticism will be inspiring, and will be a truly memorable complement to another group of inspirational athletes that will participate at the event as well this weekend – on the basketball court.
Move Along, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 2007, will participate at the Tri-Oswego Triathlon with a wheelchair basketball exhibition game between members of the Move Along Flyers and Sitrin Stars from Utica. The game and adapted sports will take place throughout the day at Breitbeck Park on Saturday, June 25th.
“We are extremely pleased to have Move Along, Inc. participate in the activities planned for the Tri-Oswego event this weekend,” said Ron Nelson, Tri-Oswego Race Director. “And, we welcome the community to come out and support these incredible athletes.”
Oswego-native Greg Callen founded Move Along shortly after suffering from a detrimental accident that left him restricted to a wheelchair for life. A t12 paraplegic, Callen established the organization to assist individuals of all ages with physical limitations, by creating the opportunity to be engaged with recreational activities and gain life skills in overcoming barriers.
“The Tri-Oswego event will be a great opportunity for Central New Yorkers to come out and learn more about our mission and witness all of the courageous athletes that will be participating in Oswego for the Tri or on the basketball court,” said Callen.
According to Callen, the sport of Triathlon has been a strong advocate for the handicapped athlete, and in December 2010 it was announced that the Paratriathlon would be included in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
“Today, most Triathlons are open to physically challenged participants,” said Callen. “We are seeing more and more Triathlon’s becoming inclusive and conducting races for those with physically documented limitations. I am so proud of my hometown for bringing a USA sanctioned triathlon to Oswego. Adaptive sports should be in every community”.
According to Callen, Saturday’s Novelis Kids’ Fun Run will also include up to seven racers with physical limitations. “Kids in special race wheelchairs and special race bicycle chairs will be involved in the Novelis Kids’ Fun Run,” he noted. “The kids are excited to have an opportunity to compete with able-bodied kids in an environment that is fully inclusive.” “The fulfillment the Move Along kids get from being involved in an event like this is not measured by an award or trophy, but by the completion of the task,” he added.
For additional information on Move Along, Inc. please visit their website at www.movealonginc.org.
The USA Triathlon sanctioned Tri-Oswego 2011 Triathlon event is being presented by Novelis, Sysco Foods, and Michelob Ultra. For additional information on the June 25-26 event please visit their website at www.tri-oswego.com.
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