Athletes Serving Athletes Brings Race Training Program to Cedar Lane School

February 12th, 2016

In a new partnership, Cedar Lane School will collaborate with Athletes Serving Athletes to help improve physical fitness and empower students to meet their highest potential. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Cedar Lane School in Fulton, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, ASA will offer Cedar Lane Students an opportunity to participate in its race training and competition program for athletes living with disabilities. As part of the program, each student athlete will be paired with a WingMan Team consisting of 3–6 persons who will empower the student to cross an endurance race finish line. ASA will provide mentoring support as well as any specialized equipment required to participate in a running event.

“ASA’s innovative athletic program teams with Cedar Lane families and staff members to create opportunities where our student athletes can shine,” said Cedar Lane School Principal Paul Owens. “When we work together, our students are given the opportunity to participate in athletic events throughout the state of Maryland.”

In 2015, 33 ASA Howard County athletes competed in 12 events and crossed 56 finish lines with the support of Wingmen. This innovative partnership is aligned with Vision 2018 strategies to incorporate inclusive practices for students with disabilities and to provide opportunities for students to build competencies in athletics.

“On behalf of everyone associated with our program, we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to partner with Howard County Public Schools and specifically the Cedar Lane School. Over the last few years, we have built the most amazing relationships with our athletes and their families in this community, and look forward to training and racing with many more in the future,” said ASA Howard County Coordinator Stephanie Blades. “We are proud to offer an athletic program that gets HCPSS students, teachers, staff and families moving and running to the finish line to feel the thrill of racing alongside their peers.”

Howard County Board of Education Vice Chairman Ellen Flynn Giles, Board of Education Member Sandra French, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Renee A. Foose and Cedar Lane School Principal Paul Owens will join Athletes Serving Athletes Executive Director David Slomkowski, Howard County Area Coordinator Stephanie Blades, ASA athletes and their families at the partnership signing event on February 19.

Athletes Serving Athletes is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to train and compete in mainstream running and triathlon events. ASA uses athletic activity as a catalyst for personal development—improving physical fitness, increasing self-esteem and empowering challenged youth to meet their highest potential. A short video of the ASA program is available online.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.