Moody Grant Recipient: Achilles Houston

The Houston chapter of Achilles International transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since 1983, Achilles International has empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.

1. Can you share a brief history of Achilles International and its role in supporting people with disabilities through athletic programs?

Achilles International is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to participate in adaptive running and endurance sports. Our vision is for a more inclusive and accessible world where everyone can run, walk, or roll together. A world that brings all people with disabilities off the sidelines, improving their wellbeing, driving greater awareness of their common experiences, and inspiring product and policy innovation that meets their needs. Since our founding in 1983, we have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.

 

2. Tell us more about Achilles Houston. When was this chapter founded and how many athletes do you serve?

Achilles Houston has been serving the disability community of the Houston metropolitan area since 2013. The chapter meets for free adaptive running and adaptive cycling workouts three times a week at Stude Park. Achilles Houston serves 103 athletes with disabilities and has a total membership of 336, including 233 volunteers. In addition to providing free adaptive running and adaptive cycling workouts three times per week, Achilles Houston programming includes a robust and growing race schedule and regular social events that strengthen the bond of the Achilles community.

 

3. What are the benefits of athletic competition for those with disabilities?

Twenty-six percent of Americans live with a disability. Nearly half of those living with a disability get no aerobic physical activity and are also more likely to report at least one chronic disease. Because of this health risk, Achilles removes as many barriers as possible that limit or prevent people with disabilities from engaging in physical activity through endurance sports. We do this primarily through our chapter locations, where we host weekly workouts for athletes with disabilities in accessible locations, provide trained volunteer running guides, and provide adaptive equipment such as handcycles and racing wheelchairs for athletes to use. We welcome all disability types, do not have any fees for athletes, and create an inclusive, supportive community where people with disabilities can socialize, challenge themselves, and engage in healthy physical activity.

 

4. Tell us more about the new handcycle clinic with TIRR Memorial Hermann.

The handcycle clinic was created to provide a welcoming, supportive space for both new and experienced riders to explore the world of handcycling. Whether someone is just getting started or looking to sharpen their skills, the clinic offers a safe and encouraging environment to learn and grow.

We host the clinic on the third Sunday of each month to ensure consistent access and ongoing support. The event is open to the public, not just Achilles athletes, so that anyone interested in handcycling, regardless of membership status, is welcome to participate.

Several of our athletes are patients at TIRR Memorial Hermann clinics across the city. Thanks to a connection with TIRR, we’ve been able to advertise the clinic through their network, and we were excited to welcome our first TIRR patient at our inaugural session. Hosting the clinic also allows us to introduce interested individuals to Achilles and help them get involved with the chapter afterward.

The clinic is led by Chapter Lead Michaela, supported by Equipment Manager Stephen, and a dedicated group of five Achilles Houston handcycle athletes. Together, they work collaboratively to guide newcomers, sharing knowledge on everything from cycling technique to basic equipment mechanics. We meet at a Freed Park where there is a paved, half-mile trail that allows athletes to ride in a small loop and receive immediate feedback. The clinic runs for two hours, giving participants the flexibility to ride at their own pace or come and go as they like.

Our first clinic welcomed 15 participants, and we’re excited to continue offering these sessions on a monthly basis.

 

5. Tell us more about your relationship with the Moody Foundation.

Since 2021, the Moody Foundation has been committed to ensuring Achilles Houston has the resources and support needed to break down barriers and build community for people with disabilities in Houston. In 2022, Achilles Houston was selected to be one of Achilles International’s primary chapters for strategic growth. This selection would not have been possible with support from the Moody Foundation and the Moody Foundation has been paramount to the growth and impact seen in the Houston chapter over the last several years. Thanks to the Moody Foundation, over the last three years Achilles Houston has hired a full-time chapter lead and part time equipment manager and has increased both the number of workouts held each week and the number of yearly races in which the chapter participates.

In addition to providing Achilles Houston with generous and ongoing philanthropic support, the Moody Foundation continues to amplify the work that we do and helps tell the stories of the incredible athletes and community members that we serve. We are so grateful for our relationship with the Moody Foundation and are excited to continue growing as a chapter thanks to its support.

 

6. Recent accomplishments you want to highlight?

At the beginning of July, Achilles Houston purchased five tandem bicycles, a long-awaited milestone for our chapter. For the past two years, we’ve hosted tandem rides using bikes generously loaned to us by a local nonprofit. While we’re incredibly grateful for their support, having our own bikes marks an exciting new chapter, as it now allows us to begin competing in duathlons.

With that, we’re thrilled to share that 16 athletes and guides have signed up for our first-ever duathlon on Saturday, September 20th, where we’ll be competing in the Texas City Duathlon.

 

7. Upcoming events or key milestones we should highlight?

In the summer, Achilles Houston continues to bring the heat in more ways than one. Since April, we’ve welcomed nearly 300 participants to our workouts, with June reaching a record-breaking 295 attendees, our highest monthly total yet.

Due to the intense Texas heat, Achilles Houston takes a break from racing during the summer months. Instead, we keep the momentum going with our highly anticipated Summer Social Series.

In June, we brought 30 members to see the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. For July, we’re gathering at Ninfa’s, a local favorite owned by one of our athlete’s brothers. And in August, we’ll wrap up the summer with a fun-filled evening of bowling and pizza.