Wounded warriors from the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will kick off Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) 2010 Sunshine State Soldier Ride in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, January 13. More than 25 wounded veterans will take part in the five-day cycling event which will travel through Miami Beach and the Florida Keys. To show support and thanks to these brave men and women, U-Haul and Jungle Island will provide complimentary meals to the wounded warriors during the ride.
Soldier Ride is a program of Wounded Warrior Project that provides key rehabilitation opportunities for wounded warriors and raises public awareness for those that have been severely injured during the current conflicts. Wounded Warrior Project is an apolitical, nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP offers services and programs like benefits and career counseling, advocacy initiatives and combat stress seminars to aid in the transition from hospital bed to an independent, productive life. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010: Warriors arrive in Miami for bike fitting. A welcome reception, tour and dinner will be held at Jungle Island.
o 4 p.m. Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Thursday, January 14, 2010: Warriors Kick-off ride in and around Miami.
7 a.m. Warriors greet local school children outside their hotel, The Residence Inn Miami.
9 a.m. Breakfast at Finnegan’s Way, South Beach
10 a.m. Soldier Ride Departure from Finnegan’s Way for ride through South Beach and Miami
11 a.m. Ceremony at VA Medical Center, followed by lunch provided by VA Center.
1201 NW 16th St, Miami
o 7 p.m. Event open to the public at Finnegans on the River. 401 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Miami.
Friday, January 15, 2010: Warriors travel from Miami to Key Largo and ride through the Florida Keys. o 9 a.m. Departure from VFW at Mile Marker 102 to Islamorada. Meet and greet at Coral Shores High School.
12:15 p.m. Warriors arrive at Dolphin Research Center for an optional swim with the dolphins.
2:45 p.m. Departure for ride across 7 mile bridge.
8-9 p.m. Warriors enjoy trolley ride of historic Key West and dinner at Sunset Pier, hosted by Boston Scientific.
Saturday, January 16, 2010: Ride through historic Key West starting after breakfast at Coast Guard station and departure from Naval Air Station Boca Chica.
7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. VIP breakfast for cyclists
11:30 a.m. Lunch at Mohawk
4-5:30 p.m. Dinner at Margaritaville Cafe
MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Nick Kraus, (516) 446 8423, Nickraus@hotmail.com You can also visit: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Soldier Ride Blog: wwpsoldierride.blogspot.com