Illinois-based, non-for-profit organization Dare2tri has announced fundraising of over US$200,000 during its Victory Lap post-Tokyo initiative.
With inspirational speakers, live music, and more, the Tokyo Games homecoming event honoured club Paralympians and the new milestones achieved, including equal pay for Paralympic medallists.
The proceeds of the fundraiser will provide programs, resources, equipment, and funding for athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments. With the future of para athletics not determinant on age, Dare2tri notes that the Victory Lap donations will cultivate even more life-changing opportunities for the disability community.
The Victory Lap event was held at On Tour Brewing Company in Chicago, and honoured Dare2tri elite team members from past and present, including:
- Melissa Stockwell – 2020 US Paralympian (triathlon), Dare2tri co-founder
- Hailey Danz – 2020 US Paralympic silver medallist (triathlon)
- Grace Norman – 2020 US Paralympic silver medallist (triathlon)
- Ahalya Lettenberger – 2020 US Paralympic silver medallist (swimming)
- Kevin McDowell – 2020 US Olympic silver medallist (triathlon mixed relay)
“The success of the Paralympic Games and celebrating our Paralympians is a major catalyst for change in the disability community,” said Keri Serota, co-founder & executive director at Dare2tri.
“Events like Victory Lap create the awareness needed to elevate para-athletes with increased support while inspiring the next generation Paralympic hopefuls.”
www.dare2tri.org/events/victory-lap
