TheBurg

24 | THEBURGNEWS.COM | 01.22 I n 2014 at a Baltimore 10K race, runner Teresa Meskey witnessed "two dudes in kilts" pushing a child in a wheelchair. ey wore T-shirts emblazoned with "Wingman" along the back. Curious, she investigated and discovered Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), an organization dedicated to giving people with limited mobility the joy of running. "We're hoping that we can give them the same race experiences and the joy of being part of a race," said Meskey, now the community coordinator for ASA in Dauphin County. "Crossing the finish line is something that should be able to be experienced by everyone—regardless of physical abilities or limitations." In 2007, ASA grew out of admiration for Rick and Dick Hoyt, the father-son racing team. Dick Hoyt raced with his son, unable to ambulate himself due to spastic quadriplegia and cerebral palsy. Today, the organization serves 10 communities in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. ASA allows athletes "to meet people outside their social circle, to be outdoors, and to see the trees go by," said founder and executive director David Slomkowski. MILES & SMILES Runners get fit, find purpose through Athletes Serving Athletes. BY SUSAN RYDER NO LIMITS e running experience includes practice, as well as races. On a December night, in the chilly darkness of City Island, four runners stretched and jumped to keep warm. ey were the wingmen for ASA athletes who they would push five miles that night. One of those athletes was Kyle Weaver. Before the run, Weaver sat in his car with his stuffed friend, Christmas Sloth, under his coat until it was time to load into the running chair. When asked if it was too cold for running, he answered, "no," with an incredulous grin and inflection that indicated that it's never too cold for running. "He loves being with everyone and racing through the crowd," said Wendy Brown, Weaver's mother. Twelve-year-old Leah Borian, from Reading, was just as enthusiastic about the practice. While she can't verbalize that sentiment, her infectious smile and the twinkle in her eye told all. "A woman of few words but lots of smiles," said Christina Beaverson, ASA wingman. Parents also benefit from the program, which allows them to run with their children and connect with other parents and runners. Peter Borian, Leah's dad, runs with her.

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