Tour of Elk Grove Cycling Classic to feature adaptive athlete race

The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, which serves all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, will sponsor its first adaptive athletes race within the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove International Cycling Classic.

The sixth annual Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove International Cycling Classic will be held Friday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 7. The Heart Of A Marine Foundation Adaptive Athlete Race is slated for 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.

In prelude to this event, the foundation held a “Meet the Athlete” media day. On June 28, veterans participating in The Heart Of A Marine Foundation Adaptive Athlete Race were invited to demonstrate their adaptive biking equipment and racing skills in front of the media. Media representatives were able to interview the veterans and get their perspectives on racing with disabilities. Participating veterans represented all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, many Iraq and Afghanistan vets, many with distinguished honors.

Elk Grove Village Police secured a section of the official racecourse as the veterans rode past cheering crowds of schoolchildren from the Hattendorf Center Day Care. The students, waving American flags, were as excited for the demonstration as the veterans. On the final lap, the veterans stopped to meet the children, shake hands and offer high-fives.

Among the media was ABC Chicago’s Karen Meyer. Meyer was impressed with the turn out and support of the community. “It’s nice to see your mayor here”, she said. “He is extremely supportive of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and this race. That is so great”.

Registration for The Heart Of A Marine Foundation Adaptive Athlete Race is available online at tourofelkgrove.com. The race is open to all adaptive athletes; military/veteran and civilian. The only prerequisite is the use of a hand cycle.

The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a registered 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to serving active duty military, veterans, and their families in memory, honor and spirit of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Frank. Phil was an Elk Grove Village resident, killed in action, April 2004. For information regarding The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, visit heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.

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