ELLLINGTON, CT– Andrew Haraghey,15, dreams of skiing in the 2014 Paralympics in Russia and thanks to his incredible talent, hard work and the generosity and commitment of local motorcyclists no one is betting against him. Bikers will take to the highway this Sunday in a Ride For Andrew Poker Run beginning at TSI Harley Davidson in Ellington and winding up with food, entertainment and a raffle at Riverside 159 Restaurant in Windsor. Proceeds will benefit Andrew and AbilityPLUS Adaptive Sports, the organization that Andrew has skied and trained with since 2006. It promises to be a good weekend for riding and a great way to help Andrew make the US Adaptive Ski Team and compete in Russia in 2014.<\/p>\n
It was a challenging summer for Andrew, a sophomore at Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, as he is recovering from surgery performed at the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA. The procedure involved the breaking and reshaping of bones in his foot in an alignment that increases his mobility. Much of Andrew’s summer was spent in a wheelchair recovering from the surgery, during which time he attended the Ivan Lendl Tennis Camp and was recognized as the best overall tennis player at the weeklong camp for youths in wheelchairs. He’s equally accomplished on the slopes.<\/p>\n
His family is working with AbilityPLUS to raise funds necessary for Andrew to train during the winter at Mount Snow, Vermont and to fund travel to competitions as he trains for the 2014 Paralympics. During the 2010-11 race season, Andrew competed in seven races and earned two gold and three silver medals. Andrew’s entire family volunteers for AbilityPLUS at Mount Snow.<\/p>\n
The Sunday Poker Run will be held rain or shine. Registration is scheduled from 9-11 for $30 per bike. Advanced registration is $25. For non-riders, lunch will be available at Riverside 159 for a $25 donation per couple. Children under 12 are free. For additional information on Andrew and his training, visit www.andrewraces.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n AbilityPLUS offers access to athletic and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to create freedom, promote independence, support inclusion and help those individuals and their families discover their full social, emotional and athletic potential. AbilityPLUS is a 501(c) 3 organization and serves people with all manner of physical and developmental disabilities. AbilityPLUS is partnered with Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA, and proudly serves people with autism across the spectrum. For more information about the AbilityPLUS program in which Andrew participates, visit www.abilityplus.org<\/a> or call (800) 287-8415.
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