Achilles announced as charity partner: Round the Bays   20 Oct 2014

Achilles announced as official charity partner for Cigna Round the Bays

Following the announcement of a new principal sponsor for Wellington Round the Bays, event organiser Sport Wellington has announced Achilles International New Zealand as the new official charity partner for the 2015 event and beyond. Recently announced principal sponsor and naming rights holder Cigna Life Insurance New Zealand have selected Achilles as the official charity for the event after announcing a larger scale partnership with the charity.

On top of becoming official charity partner, Cigna are gifting Achilles naming rights of the half marathon portion of the event, making the official title the Cigna Achilles Half Marathon. This distance sits alongside the Snapper 10km and the 6.5km Fun Run & Walk.

Founded in 1983, Achilles provides New Zealanders with disabilities the opportunity to participate in events alongside an able bodied athlete. The charity operates with the mission to ‘enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self-esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.’ Achilles has helped members worldwide participate in various events from local fun runs, right through to the New York Marathon.

Achilles International New Zealand Chairman and Co-founder Peter Loft says “Achilles is honoured to be chosen as the official charity partner of the Cigna Round the Bays event. This prestigious event will be the perfect opportunity for Achilles to get our athletes of all ages and abilities out there on the streets of Wellington.”

Event Director James King says “Achilles is a fantastic initiative that we are proud to get behind and support the truly inspiring work they do.”

This year’s Cigna Round the Bays participants are encouraged to fundraise for the charity and support the athletes competing, on their journey to the finish line. Anyone can donate to the charity though their official Givealittle fundraising page.

“We really encourage those who are intending to do Cigna Round the Bays, to take that extra step and support the aspiring athletes from Achilles” adds King. “Many of the members have phenomenal stories and it will be great to see them take part as participants.”

Achilles has chapters in communities throughout the world and has recently established the Wellington chapter. Each local chapter is run by members and volunteers, who dedicate their time to recruit participants, organise workouts, and secure funding. Members of the Wellington chapter are already preparing themselves for the event and intend to hold fortnightly training sessions on the waterfront in preparation.

Registrations open for Cigna Round the Bays on Thursday, 3rd November with the event taking place on 22nd February 2015.

ENDS

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