Veterans Return to The Big Apple for Adaptive Cycling
More than a year since the nation shut its doors due to the global pandemic, 30 wounded warriors from the East Coast finally returned to the Big Apple for Soldier Ride® New York. Soldier Ride is a nationally recognized injured veteran cycling program that hosts warriors virtually and at in-person events across the country. The cycling program helps warriors overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds by introducing adaptive equipment and modified techniques best suited for their injuries.
“Adaptive cycling is a part of physical and emotional healing for wounded warriors who have given so much to our country,” said Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Soldier Ride is one of many Wounded Warrior Project programs that reintroduces the unique bonds of military service by connecting warriors to each other and their communities. This in-person ride comes at a pivotal time during the global pandemic, which continues to impact warriors today.”
In December 2020, WWP conducted a deep-dive study into its 2020 Annual Warrior Survey. The study, Invisible Wounds and COVID-19: Heightened Risk for Wounded Warriors, found a significant decrease in COVID-19-related quality of life among its warrior population. It specifically identified WWP warriors experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, loneliness, or suicidal ideation as those more likely to suffer hardship during the outbreak.
Millions of post-9/11 veterans live with invisible wounds of war, including depression, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Getting injured veterans connected with safe in-person and virtual programs is critical to their psychological well-being and resilience. Soldier Ride New York is unique because as warriors cycle through Manhattan, Babylon, and the Hamptons, they return to the event’s founding roots.
“We are coming up on the 20th anniversary of 9/11,” said Army veteran John Fernandez. “That’s a long time to be at war, and the needs of our warriors change through the years. I was injured 18 years ago, and I’ve been thankful that Wounded Warrior Project programs and services have evolved with my needs and those of other wounded warriors. All of our needs are different.”
Soldier Ride began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles coast-to-coast to support WWP and help raise awareness for injured veterans. The following year, several combat warriors who returned from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) joined Carney for another cross-country ride. The trek across the nation proved to be a milestone toward recovery as wounded warriors redefined personal strengths and limitations. Despite facing many obstacles, the warriors refused to give up. They used the experience as a catalyst to show the public and themselves that with support and motivation, anything is possible.
Today, Soldier Ride continues to inspire warriors to achieve their highest physical and mental wellness ambitions. According to WWP’s 2020 Annual Warrior Survey, approximately 70% of warriors believe physical activity decreases feelings of stress or tension, increases stamina, and improves mental health. Getting and staying active is essential in the recovery process. Soldier Ride’s cycling education and skill development play significant roles in keeping momentum for warriors once they are back at home, creating healthy living routines.
Click here to learn more about WWP’s Soldier Ride program.
Contact: Vesta M. Anderson — Public Relations, vanderson@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.0771
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.