Loma Linda triathlon brings community together on Sunday
Regardless of age, ability or physical barriers, more than 1,100 athletes gathered Sunday at Loma Linda University's Drayson Center to push their bodies to the limit.
They participated in the 7th Annual PossAbilities Triathlon and were part of the largest turnout the event has ever had.
"This is one of the few races in the entire country that includes all abilities," said Willie Stewart, a manager with PossAbilities. "From the world's best to beginners, it's all here."
Triathlon participants included professional triathletes, amateurs and disabled athletes.
Jillian Payne, director of community development and outreach for Loma Linda University Medical Center's East Campus, said one of the reasons PossAbilities hosts the race is to encourage interaction between those with disabilities and the general population.
"The whole goal is to put on a triathlon that everyone can participate in, no matter the age or ability level, to be side by side and recognizing how we're all the same," Payne said.
They participated in the 7th Annual PossAbilities Triathlon and were part of the largest turnout the event has ever had.
"This is one of the few races in the entire country that includes all abilities," said Willie Stewart, a manager with PossAbilities. "From the world's best to beginners, it's all here."
Triathlon participants included professional triathletes, amateurs and disabled athletes.
Jillian Payne, director of community development and outreach for Loma Linda University Medical Center's East Campus, said one of the reasons PossAbilities hosts the race is to encourage interaction between those with disabilities and the general population.
"The whole goal is to put on a triathlon that everyone can participate in, no matter the age or ability level, to be side by side and recognizing how we're all the same," Payne said.
PossAbilities is a community outreach program developed by the Loma
Linda University East Campus to offer disabled individuals who were
born with or have suffered a permanent physical injury a sense of
community and provide activities and practical help to integrate them
back into life, according to a university news release.
PossAbilities also has "ambassadors" who speak to the community about their disabilities, the struggles they have faced and how they overcame them, Payne said.
Some of the triathlon's participants were recovered hospital patients who now participate in PossAbilities events, Payne said.
Jordan Wallen, 27, competed in the event for wheelchair participants, which consisted of a 5K race, 11-mile handcycle ride and 150 meter swim.
"It's fun," Wallen said. "It keeps me busy and it keeps me in shape too."
Wallen is also a member of the PossAbilities Rolling Bears, a wheelchair basketball team that is part of the Division 3 Wheelchair Basketball Association.
The team practices twice a week and plays games regularly. Recently, they placed fourth in a National Wheelchair Association tournament that consisted of teams from all over the country, said Steve Hoffman, another team member.
michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com
PossAbilities also has "ambassadors" who speak to the community about their disabilities, the struggles they have faced and how they overcame them, Payne said.
Some of the triathlon's participants were recovered hospital patients who now participate in PossAbilities events, Payne said.
Jordan Wallen, 27, competed in the event for wheelchair participants, which consisted of a 5K race, 11-mile handcycle ride and 150 meter swim.
"It's fun," Wallen said. "It keeps me busy and it keeps me in shape too."
Wallen is also a member of the PossAbilities Rolling Bears, a wheelchair basketball team that is part of the Division 3 Wheelchair Basketball Association.
The team practices twice a week and plays games regularly. Recently, they placed fourth in a National Wheelchair Association tournament that consisted of teams from all over the country, said Steve Hoffman, another team member.
michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com
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