Aaron’s Cycling Team Continues Relationship with the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired
For the second year in a row Aaron’s/L5Flyers Cycling Team partnered with the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired to offer tandem cycling activities for children at the S.T.A.R.S. Camp in Fort Yargo State Park.
S.T.A.R.S. (Social, Therapeutic and Recreational Services) is a recreational and social skills program offered through the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired for children ages 6 to 21 who are blind or visually impaired. On Saturday May 6, 2006, approximately 25 blind and visually impaired S.T.A.R.S. campers pedaled on the back of tandem bicycles with Aaron’s/L5Flyers team members as the sighted guides or captains in front.
The event gives visually impaired children an opportunity to feel what it is like to ride a bicycle, something they would otherwise never be able to experience. Most campers are at first hesitant, but still excited about the opportunity to ride a bicycle. However, once they get on the bicycle they are thrilled to feel what it is like to ride. “If you ever get a chance to participate in one of these events, do it, you'll feel great, and allow some folks to experience riding who otherwise would never be able," said Peter Wicker owner of Outback Bikes in Little Five Points and member of Aaron’s/L5Flyers Cycling Team who volunteered at the event.
“The kids had a blast riding the tandems this weekend,” said Annie Maxwell, a tandem cycling participant and the Director of Volunteer Services for the Center for the Visually Impaired. “Thanks so much . . . I am always overwhelmed by the generosity in people and such a great spirit of giving to others.“
Special thanks to the Aaron's/L5Flyers team members who participated in this event: Daniel Banks, Bruce Belden, Rick Rheingans, Ron Smith, Walter Stark, and Peter Wicker
Aaron’s/L5Flyers Cycling Team plans to continue to work with the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired to provide activities that benefit the blind and visually impaired in the future. If you are interested in volunteering for a future Aaron’s/L5Flyers event, please contact Julie Granger, VP of Community Service (jegranger@hotmail.com).
