Holbrook, New York, May 16, 2012: World T.E.A.M. Sports CEO and President Paul Tyler announced today that The Dominion Foundation and Dominion Virginia Power have joined as a sponsor of the second Sea to Shining Sea cross-country bicycle ride with wounded warriors from America’s military.

Dominion is providing $50,000 for this year’s ride, which leaves San Francisco on May 28 and arrives in Virginia Beach, Virginia on July 28. The ride includes 20 disabled veterans from all services, who will ride bicycles, hand cycles and recumbents on their nearly 4,000 mile cross-country journey through 14 states. Cities included in the 2012 ride include Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

“We are proud to employ veterans in our work force,” said Virginia M. Board, president of The Dominion Foundation and managing director of community affairs for Dominion Resources. “And we appreciate how this cross-country ride highlights the determined spirit of our nation’s wounded warriors.”

The grant is being made through The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources.

“We welcome Dominion as a sponsor of our Sea to Shining Sea ride,” said Tyler. “Their support has enabled a group of proud wounded warriors to see the country they so valiantly defended.”

Participants of the Sea to Shining Sea ride include veterans who live with disabilities ranging from loss of limbs to blindness to Post Traumatic Stress. Veterans in the ride served America in wars from Afghanistan and Iraq to Vietnam.

The 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride is supported through sponsorships by State Farm, American Portfolios, MWV, Dominion, the Semper Fi Foundation, the USO, BNY – Mellon, General Electric, GM Fleet and Commercial, Brown Shoe Company and Famous Footwear, Energizer Holdings, Altria, EnerSys, Occidental Petroleum, Magaschoni Apparel, Penske Truck Rental, Vedder Price, the El Pomar Foundation and George Puskar.

For further information about the Sea to Shining Sea ride, visit the official ride website.

About Dominion
The Dominion Foundation is dedicated to improving the physical, social and economic well-being of the communities served by Dominion companies, including Dominion Virginia Power and Dominion North Carolina Power. For more information about Dominion, visit the company’s website. Follow Dominion Virginia Power on Twitter . ‘Like’ Dominion on Facebook.

About World T.E.A.M. Sports
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

Dominion Virginia Power media contact:
Daisy Pridgen, (804) 771-6115, Daisy.Pridgen@dom.com

Denver, Colo., May 15, 2012 – For participants of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ annual Adventure TEAM Challenge, it’s not all about winning the race. Including both disabled and able-bodied competitors on teams of five persons changes the perspective of all the participants.

Created by blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer of Golden, CO, following his participation in outdoor competitions including the Eco-Challenge, the Adventure TEAM Challenge brings together experienced adventure athletes, wounded warriors from our nation’s military, corporate fitness enthusiasts and individuals with disabilities, including paraplegics and quadriplegics.

The Colorado River Valley west of Grand Junction, CO is a red rock wilderness for adventure. Photograph copyright 2012, Catherine Shenk.

“I don’t know of any other experience in the world as powerful as ATC that gets a team thinking creatively and collaboratively to break through barriers and achieve more together,” said Weihenmayer, who has climbed the seven highest summits on the planet. “You can talk these themes until you’re blue in the face, but it’s a big step up when your team is placed in a spectacular rugged environment and forced to live these commitments through its every fiber. That’s when it gets real and real transformation happens!”

Held in the high Colorado desert near Grand Junction and Fruita this May 18-20, the Challenge will feature 14 teams, assuring the 2012 edition to be the largest to date. Presented by Alteryx, the leader in strategic analytics, delivering a complete desktop-to-cloud solution, the 2012 Challenge requires participating teams to work together to creatively solve challenges and meet objectives.

Each team is required to include two persons with disabilities, including one who is a wheelchair user. Negotiating obstacles along the route, including mountain biking, river rafting, climbing and hiking, is particularly challenging as all team members must stay together throughout the Challenge. Successful teams rely not only on strength and endurance, but also on problem solving and innovation.

On a sunny sandstone outcropping, a lizard suns itself. Photograph copyright 2012, Catherine Shenk.

Participants of the Challenge include a wide variety of athletes. Robb Kimbrough of Boulder, CO is a member of Team Alteryx Fuzzy Match. A climber since age 16, Kimbrough lost both his legs to random invasive strep infection (flesh eating bacteria) six and one-half years ago. Though he admits he “usually does not play well with others,” Kimbrough is looking forward to the Challenge and “forcing through the challenges.”

Texan Mary Coffee, a member of Team Alteryx Armadillos, gained an appreciation for what it means to be disabled after a 2007 skydiving accident left her in a wheelchair for three months with a broken leg and fractured pelvis. Owing to a parachute that was not packed properly and did not open all the way on her first solo skydive, she experienced a “death spiral.” Remaining calm as she realized what was happening, Coffee hit ground at 20 mph. Fortunately she landed in a wet area, which allowed her to survive, and woke up in the EMS van.

Jake Schmalzried of Team Crump was injured in a 1997 construction accident, resulting in the loss of use of his legs. Yet, he maintains a positive attitude. “This is how my life is and what I have to do. It’s not really about overcoming things. If I want to participate or overcome things, how do I do it is the question,” Jake explained. A wheelchair basketball player who plays for the Albuquerque Kings, Schmalzried has played basketball for 14 years. Regarding his participation in the Challenge, “I don’t want to let my team down,” Schmalzried said.

Beautiful cactus flowers bring color to the spring landscape on the Plateau west of Grand Junction, CO. Photograph copyright 2012, Catherine Shenk.

Gina Utegg of Team Who Says I Can’t, an all-woman’s team, has multiple disabilities due to a car crash, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injury. She is also a cancer survivor. Active in sprint triathlons, recumbent bike rides and races, Utegg is a three-time participant in World T.E.A.M. Sports‘ Face of America ride from Washington to Gettysburg. The Tewksbury, MA resident loves all sorts of sports and wants to try everything.

A climbing accident in 1997 on the East Face of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park left Boulder, CO climber Steve Mestdagh a below-the-knee amputee. Yet, he has remained very active in technical climbing, canyoneering and trail running. A member of Team Atlas Shrugged, Mestdagh has not competed in any race before. “If you think you can’t, you’re wrong!” said Mestdagh, who is approaching his participation with a positive attitude.

Katherine Ragazzino is originally from Philadelphia, PA and is a past veteran of the Adventure TEAM Challenge. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with post-traumatic stress and nerve damage while serving with the Marine Corps in Iraq, Katherine spent 18 months in a Navy hospital. Following her discharge from the Marines, she continues her medical care in VA facilities. A member of the Alteryx Force team, Ragazzino loves competition. She participates in a number of athletic events and activities that challenge her to reach the highest levels of her abilities through adaptive sports.

Colorado Springs, CO resident Scott Doyle is participating as a member of the Fire Strategies team. A hereditary bone disease kept Doyle confined to inside activities during most of his childhood. However, 18 months of medical treatment helped his bone grow back almost completely. A ten year veteran of the Army, Doyle had tours of duty in Bosnia and in Iraq. Following his return home, Doyle was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “I have had a lot of good friends return from Afghanistan and Iraq with lots of disabilities,” Doyle said of his participation in the Challenge. “This was outdoors and something I could do.”


Learn more about the backgrounds of selected participants of the 2012 Adventure TEAM Challenge online. Explore the 2012 Adventure TEAM Challenge web page. Visit the Adventure TEAM Challenge page from Alteryx, presenting sponsor for the 2012 Challenge.


About World T.E.A.M. Sports
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

Terrain in the region west of Grand Junction, CO is dry and rugged. Photograph copyright 2012, Catherine Shenk.

Holbrook, New York, May 15, 2012: World T.E.A.M. Sports CEO and President Paul Tyler announced today that MeadWestvaco (MWV), one of the world’s leading packaging solutions corporations, has joined as a sponsor of the second Sea to Shining Sea cross-country bicycle ride with wounded warriors from our nation’s military.

MWV is providing financial support for this year’s ride, which leaves San Francisco on May 28 and arrives in Virginia Beach, Virginia on July 28. The ride includes 20 disabled veterans, who will ride bicycles, hand cycles and recumbents on their nearly 4,000 mile cross-country journey through 14 states. Cities included in the 2012 ride include Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

“Support from an organization like MWV means so much to this group of riders who will dedicate two months of their lives to crossing the country they defended,” said Tyler.

Participants of the Sea to Shining Sea ride include veterans who live with disabilities ranging from loss of limbs to blindness to Post Traumatic Stress. Veterans in the ride served America in wars from Afghanistan and Iraq to Vietnam.

“One of MWV’s core responsibilities is to support communities where we live and operate – it’s easy to carry out this commitment with great organizations and events like these,” shared Ned Massee, vice president, Corporate Affairs. “We are proud to support the Sea to Shining Sea ride and look forward to welcoming the riders back to Richmond.”

The 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride is supported through sponsorships by State Farm, American Portfolios, MWV, Dominion, the Semper Fi Foundation, the USO, BNY – Mellon, General Electric, GM Fleet and Commercial, Brown Shoe Company and Famous Footwear, Energizer Holdings, Altria, EnerSys, Occidental Petroleum, Magaschoni Apparel, Penske Truck Rental, Vedder Price, the El Pomar Foundation and George Puskar.

For further information about the Sea to Shining Sea ride, visit the official ride website.

About MeadWestvaco Corporation
MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV), provides packaging solutions to many of the world’s most-admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, and tobacco industries. The company’s businesses also include Specialty Chemicals, and the Community Development and Land Management Group, which sustainably manages the company’s land holdings to support its operations, and to provide for conservation, recreation and development opportunities. With 15,000 employees worldwide, MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations. MWV manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards, and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for eight consecutive years. For more information, please visit our website.

About World T.E.A.M. Sports
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

Holbrook, New York, May 14, 2012: Wounded warrior participants of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ 2012 Sea to Shining Sea cross-country bicycle ride begin this month an inspiring two-month journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, passing through 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Sponsored by State Farm, the ride begins May 28 near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. From the Pacific Ocean, the riders will pass through cities large and small and stunning rural landscapes ranging from red-hued sandy deserts to snow-capped high mountains to thick woodlands to lush fields of wheat. With eleven days of rest over 65 days of the ride, the disabled veterans will see seven days of 100 or more miles, including one day of 125 miles in western Kansas. The most difficult day of all, however, may be the ride from Vail, CO to Denver on June 20, where the riders will cross two mountain passes, including the 11,990-foot Loveland Pass, nearly 700 feet higher than the high point of the inaugural Sea to Shining Sea ride in 2010.

Colorado's Loveland Pass west of Denver across the Continental Divide will provide a challenge for the wounded warriors. World TEAM Sports photograph by Richard Rhinehart.

The 2012 ride will follow much the same route as the first ride. Riding from San Francisco around the Bay, the riders will pass through northern California, across the Sierra Mountains to the desert ranges of Nevada, along the “Loneliest Highway.” Entering Utah, the team will head northeast to Salt Lake City and Park City. From the mountain resort in the Wasatch Mountains, the riders head east into northwestern Colorado, joining the Colorado River valley at Rifle.

From Rifle, the team rides east along the Colorado and Eagle Rivers to Vail, where the team faces its first pass of the Rocky Mountains, Vail Pass. Up and over the pass, the team will descend, only to climb more sharply to the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass. From the Divide, the team descends to Denver, where a day of rest allows recovery from the ascent of two passes.

Leaving Denver, the team rides south along the foothills to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and then follows the Arkansas River valley the east, into Kansas. Crossing southern Kansas, the riders enter Missouri in its southwestern corner. The team will head northeast across the state to Saint Louis, where they will spend the Independence Day holiday.

After a two-day rest in Saint Louis, the riders head east through the green farmlands of southern Illinois and southern Indiana. Arriving in Cincinnati for a day of rest, the team then will head northeast to Pittsburgh. Following a day of rest in the Steel City, the riders then head east through southern Pennsylvania and western Maryland, arriving at the national capitol on July 21.

Following a day of rest, the riders head south to historic Richmond, VA and another day of rest and festivities. The team then heads east through Williamsburg to the ride’s conclusion at Virginia Beach on the Atlantic Ocean July 28.

Team members in western Maryland will enjoy gentle, rolling hills and low traffic. World TEAM Sports photograph by Richard Rhinehart.

Along the route, numerous communities, organizations and official Sea to Shining Sea sponsors will provide special events, meals, and receptions, welcoming and honoring the participating wounded warriors. The public is invited to take part in the celebrations of this inspiring ride by meeting the riders as they pass through their communities. This year’s ride features live tracking of the team as they make their journey using GPS coverage provided by My Athlete.

The 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride is supported through sponsorships by State Farm, American Portfolios, MWV, Dominion, the Semper Fi Foundation, the USO, BNY Mellon, General Electric, GM FCO, Brown Shoe Company and Famous Footwear, Energizer Holdings, Altria, EnerSys, Occidental Petroleum, Magaschoni, Penske Truck Rental, Vedder Price, the El Pomar Foundation and George Puskar.
For further information about the Sea to Shining Sea ride, visit the official ride website at http://s2ssbikeride.org/.

Learn more about the 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride online at the official event website.

About World T.E.A.M. Sports

World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

Full Schedule for the 2012 Ride

May 28, 2012: San Francisco, CA to Petaluma, CA
May 29: Petaluma, CA to Fairfield, CA
May 30: Fairfield, CA to Ione/Jackson, CA
May 31: Ione/Jackson, CA to Kirkwood, CA
June 1: Kirkwood, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
June 2: Rest Day

Through the deserts of Nevada and Utah, team members will see abandoned structures, including abandoned stage stops. World TEAM Sports photograph by Richard Rhinehart.

June 3: South Lake Tahoe, CA to Carson City, NV
June 4: Carson City, NV to Fallon, NV
June 5: Fallon, NV to Austin, NV
June 6: Austin, NV to Eureka, NV
June 7: Eureka, NV to Ely, NV
June 8: Rest Day
June 9: Ely, NV to Baker, NV
June 10: Baker, NV to Delta, UT
June 11: Delta, UT to Payson, UT
June 12: Payson, UT to Salt Lake City, UT
June 13: Rest Day
June 14: Salt Lake City, UT to Park City, UT
June 15: Park City, UT to Roosevelt, UT
June 16: Roosevelt, UT to Rangely, CO
June 17: Rangely, CO to Meeker, CO
June 18: Meeker, CO to Glenwood Springs, CO
June 19: Glenwood Springs, CO to Vail, CO
June 20: Vail, CO to Denver, CO
June 21: Rest Day
June 22: Denver, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
June 23: Colorado Springs, CO to Pueblo, CO
June 24: Pueblo, CO to Las Animas, CO
June 25: Las Animas, CO to Syracuse, KS
June 26: Syracuse, KS to Dodge City, KS
June 27: Rest Day

Veterans such as Andrew Jansen will be making the cross-country journey. Photograph courtesy Andrew Jansen.

June 28: Dodge City, KS to Hutchinson, KS
June 29: Hutchinson, KS to Emporia, KS
June 30: Emporia, KS to Ottawa, KS
July 1: Ottawa, KS to Holden, MO
July 2: Holden, MO to California, MO
July 3: California, MO to Washington, MO
July 4: Washington, MO to St. Louis, MO
July 5-6: Rest Days
July 7: St. Louis, MO to Salem, IL
July 8: Salem, IL to Olney, IL
July 9: Olney, IL to Loogootee, IN
July 10: Loogootee, IN to Seymour, IN
July 11: Seymour, IN to Cincinnati, OH
July 12: Rest Day
July 13: Cincinnati, OH to Circleville, OH
July 14: Circleville, OH to New Concord, OH
July 15: New Concord, OH to Steubenville, OH/Weirton, WV
July 16: Steubenville, OH/Weirton, WV to Pittsburgh, PA
July 17: Rest Day
July 18: Pittsburgh, PA to Somerset, PA
July 19: Somerset, PA to Breezewood, PA
July 20: Breezewood, PA to Emmitsburg, MD
July 21: Emmitsburg, MD to Washington, D.C.
July 22: Rest Day
July 23: Washington, D.C. to Fredricksburg, VA
July 24: Fredricksburg, VA to Richmond, VA
July 25: Rest Day
July 26: Richmond, VA to Williamsburg VA
July 27: Williamsburg, VA to Chesapeake, VA
July 28: Chesapeake, VA to Virginia Beach, VA


Note: Route is subject to change. Download a PDF format ride schedule, including approximate mileage per day.

Holbrook, New York, May 14, 2012: World T.E.A.M. Sports (WTS) CEO and President Paul Tyler announced today that leading financial services company and independent broker/dealer American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) has joined as a sponsor of the second Sea to Shining Sea cross-country bicycle ride with wounded warriors from America’s military.

Participants of the Sea to Shining Sea ride include veterans who live with disabilities ranging from loss of limbs to blindness to Post Traumatic Stress. Veterans in the ride served America in wars from Afghanistan and Iraq to Vietnam.

“We’re honored that American Portfolios chose to support our effort to recognize the rider for both their sacrifice and resiliency,” said Tyler. “Their support means so much to this group of riders who will dedicate two months of their lives to crossing the country they defended.”

American Portfolios is providing financial support for this year’s ride, which leaves San Francisco on May 28 and arrives in Virginia Beach, Virginia on July 28. The ride includes 20 disabled veterans from all services, who will ride bicycles, hand cycles and recumbents on their nearly 4,000 mile cross-country journey through 14 states. Cities included in the 2012 ride include Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

Said APFS CEO and WTS board member Lon T. Dolber, “One of the core values at APFS—in addition to nurturing the futures of our employees, propelling the businesses of our affiliated financial professionals located nationwide and providing value to our shareholders—is giving back to the communities in which we live and serve and creating relationships with those who do the same. We have supported World T.E.A.M. Sports for over five years and have been humbled and inspired during our participation in more than a dozen WTS sponsored sporting events in team partnership with this extraordinary community of people from all backgrounds with disabilities.”

The 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride is supported through sponsorships by State Farm, American Portfolios, MWV, Dominion, the Semper Fi Foundation, the USO, BNY Mellon, General Electric, GM FCO, Brown Shoe Company and Famous Footwear, Energizer Holdings, Altria, EnerSys, Occidental Petroleum, Magaschoni, Penske Truck Rental, Vedder Price, the El Pomar Foundation and George Puskar.

For further information about the Sea to Shining Sea ride, visit the official 2012 ride website.

About American Portfolios

Headquartered in Holbrook, NY, APFS is a full-service independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC registered investment advisor. Both entities, along with technology division American Outsources, LLC (AO) collectively reside under the legal entity, American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves more than 786 independent investment professionals located in 362 branch locations throughout the nation.

About World T.E.A.M. Sports

World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

The ride includes 20 disabled veterans, who live with disabilities ranging from loss of limbs to Post Traumatic Stress. Veterans in the ride served America in wars from Afghanistan and Iraq to Vietnam. Participants will ride bicycles, hand cycles and recumbents on their nearly 4,000 mile cross-country journey through 14 states.

Cities in the 2012 ride include Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

“Recognizing the commitment and sacrifices of these wounded warriors and veterans of our military services is important for all Americans,” said Tyler. “State Farm through their generous support shows that they care deeply about these issues.”

“State Farm is proud to again show support for the courage of these exceptional riders as they trek across the country,” says Kellie Clapper, Assistant Vice President for State Farm. “This endeavor proves disabled Americans can accomplish amazing and inspiring feats.”

State Farm’s commitment to service men and women extends more than 65 years with a world-class military leave policy and through its support of company programs like the employee Military Affinity Group, Adopt-a-Soldier, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and now its second sponsorship of the Sea To Shining Sea cross-country bike ride.

The 2012 Sea to Shining Sea ride is supported through additional sponsorships by American Portfolios, MWV, Dominion Electric, the Semper Fi Foundation, the USO, the Bank of New York – Pershing, General Electric, General Motors, Brown Shoes, Energizer, Altria, Enersys, Occidental Petroleum, Magaschoni Apparel, Penske Truck Rental, Vedder Price, the El Pomar Foundation and George Puskar.

For further information about the Sea to Shining Sea ride, visit the official ride website.

About World T.E.A.M. Sports
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens – mountain climbing, white water rafting, biking, and more. In all our events – whether mountain climbing, biking, white water rafting or many other sports – we include both disabled and able-bodied participants. Four things always happen at our events: 1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness. 2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities. 3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone’s imagination. 4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges. We change lives through sports.

About State Farm
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, April 30, 2012 – It was a bittersweet conclusion to World T.E.A.M. Sports’ annual Face of America ride April 29 in Gettysburg, as the 500 participants of the 110-mile ride from the Pentagon, their families, friends and supporters, and local Gettysburg residents, gathered to remember the legacy of the ride’s host, Cpl. Jim “Seamus” Garrahy.

Van Brinson, left and General Bob Magnus speak at the Face of America closing ceremony in Gettysburg. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Although the participants, including more than 60 wounded warriors, were pleased and satisfied they successfully completed the two day ride, there was also the sadness of realizing that one of World T.E.A.M. Sports most dedicated supporters was not on hand to join in the celebration. This last January, Garrahy ran out of time on his battle against cancer, meaning this year’s ride conclusion at his “Marine Barracks Gettysburg” will be the last for the popular bicycle ride. Next year, ride personnel indicate the Face of America will conclude at another nearby location.

Riders wait for the beginning of the Sunday ride, Face of America. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

In an emotional presentation on the sunny lawn in front of the corporal’s house, General Bob Magnus presented on behalf of World T.E.A.M. Sports to Linda Garrahy a special Marine Corps flag with the likeness of her late husband on the reverse side. Veteran Lew Meyer rode the last stage of the ride with the special flag on the rear of his tandem bicycle. “He is with us here, right now,” Magnus said in honor of Garrahy. “We love you, we love this setting,” he said, “It is just so historic and meaningful to the riders.”

“This is not the face of America here,” Magnus explained to the audience, “Every ride we do, is faces of America. It is the faces of America that are out there on the streets that you saw yesterday and today; cold weather, warm weather, rainy weather, hot weather, World War II veterans – believe it or not, Korean War, Vietnam War, local fire departments, EMTs and your faces. You are all looking at each other as a mirror of America. It’s a beautiful country, a wonderful country, what a heck of a way to celebrate the country by giving back and enjoying it as you do it.”

Riders rode through heavy fog on Sunday of the Face of America ride. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

World T.E.A.M. Sports also honored Gettysburg’s Stan Clarke for his tireless assistance in making the necessary arrangements for the ride’s conclusion in the historic community. “We salute you,” said Clarke to the audience.

The second day of the annual ride began in Frederick, as participants gathered in the early morning fog that blanketed the northern Maryland city. Following a safety briefing, the riders were off onto the nearly empty city streets, heading north through downtown Frederick toward their first rest stop at the historic Loy’s Station Park with its covered bridge.

As the riders progressed north, the fog burned away, allowing the nearly 500 participants to warm themselves in the spring sunshine. Though some riders struggled on steep hills, and two participants took unexpected tumbles, the group arrived at Barlow Fire Company #22 on Taneytown Road south of Gettysburg on schedule at noon.

Face of America riders passed through the scenic covered bridge at Loy's Station Park north of Frederick. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Here, the riders were split into six groups, riding north into the Gettysburg National Military Park. Through these sacred battlefields, in which Americans sustained 51,000 casualties in the battle that inspired President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” the riders rode solemnly, recognizing the region’s tragic history. About a mile and a half from the Garrahy farm, the riders were staged at Lt Col Michael Posner’s farm for the final ride down Black Horse Tavern Road.

Large howitzer guns crossed the road, forming a gateway, with an audience estimated at several hundred persons lining the path the riders would take. As people milled about waiting for the riders, the atmosphere was of joyful anticipation, with young children waiting the arrival of fathers, soldiers ready to solute their colleagues, and friends preparing to shout their approval.

Soon, the steady stream of riders snaked down the narrow road, beneath the howitzers. As expected, they were greeted with cheers, shouts and applause. “Thank you, thank you,” was all the riders could say, taken by the emotion and pride of their accomplishment.

Riders relax at the conclusion of the Face of America ride, Gettysburg. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

On the hill to the north stood the Garrahy house, and there are those who believe the corporal himself was standing watch. He fully supported America’s many veterans – particularly wounded warriors – during his life, so it would not be surprising that his support would continue following his passing.

As riders and their families, friends and supporters enjoyed cold beer, non-alcoholic beverages and a hot lunch of grilled steaks, baked beans and bread, the Face of America reminded all that regardless of disagreements Americans may have as to politics, the nation can and will come together to support their own. For World T.E.A.M. Sports, supporting and honoring disabled veterans is a primary goal of the non-profit organization, a goal that will be continued this summer with the Sea to Shining Sea ride from San Francisco to Virginia Beach.

Proceeds from the Face of America fundraising were applied to the event, covering all costs for the participating wounded warriors and for creating a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants. Any additional funds remaining will be applied to upcoming World T.E.A.M. Sports events.

The riders arrive in Gettysburg to a large, enthusiastic audience. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia speaks to the Face of America riders, April 28, 2012. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Standing before the colorfully-clothed riders in an outer parking lot for the Pentagon, Sgt. Maj. Battaglia, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed comments made the prior evening by Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. At the keynote speech for World T.E.A.M. Sports’ annual ride honoring wounded warriors from Washington to Gettysburg, Lieutenant General Mills encouraged participants to remember that people like Corporal Jim “Seamus” Garrahy, the non-profit’s longtime Gettysburg benefactor who passed in January, provide a legacy of public service and commitment that is handed down from generation to generation. Be they veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or the more recent Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, each individual has offered their best in support of their country.

Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills presents the Face of America keynote address on April 27, 2012. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

In working with disabled veterans, World T.E.A.M. Sports helps improve the lives of these veterans, as well as create opportunities for the general public to learn more about the commitment and sacrifices these soldiers, sailors and airmen and women make in the line of duty.

Riding by the Pentagon, in a rare opportunity to cycle through Fort Meyer, Face of America participants could consider the sacrifices of their riding colleagues, as well as those individuals who have given their lives to protect their nation. Passing the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial, the riders on their bicycles, hand cycles and recumbents could understand that freedom does have a price.

Riders, including wounded warriors ready for the start of the 2012 Face of America ride. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Fortunately, weather for the April 28 ride was better than the last two years, which included stifling heat one year and torrential downpours and tornadoes the next. This year, sunny morning skies over Washington gave way to scattered clouds that thickened throughout the day as the riders headed north. The clouds dropped light rain on the riders for a few minutes, but never grew threatening. Though temperatures were chilly, the dry roads led to safe, timely travel that allowed the group to arrive in the northern Maryland city of Frederick nearly an hour ahead of schedule.

As in past years, along the route, local residents turned out in support of the riders. With signs, cheers and shouted words of encouragement, the supporters helped sometimes tired riders sit higher in their seats and peddle on. In steep sections of the route, long lines of weekend traffic grew as riders negotiated the sometimes punishing grades. Perhaps owing to the plentiful American flags that lined the route, hung from bicycles and adorned rider clothing, the majority of motorists kept their cool and waited patiently for the group to crest the hill or turn onto less-traveled side roads.

The Upper Montgomery Fire Station #14 hosted lunch for the Face of America on April 28. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Raising over $400,000 to support the participation of wounded warriors, and for upcoming World T.E.A.M. Sports events like this summer’s Sea to Shining Sea ride from San Francisco to Virginia Beach, the participating teams and individuals of Face of America include active service members, retired military, wounded warriors and civilians. Although many of the participants are from the Maryland/DC/Virginia/eastern Pennsylvania region, riders traveled from 26 states as distant as California, Montana, Texas and Florida. All are passionate about the inclusive event, which began in 2000 as a cross-country ride with teams meeting in Saint Louis from starting points on the east and west coasts.

The Face of America ride concludes on Sunday, April 29, as the riders travel north from Frederick to the historic battlefields of Gettysburg. For the last time, the group will end their ride at the farm of the late Seamus Garrahy. Almost certainly, the arrival will bring a variety of emotions for the participants, particularly those who have ridden for several years.

The peloton at the Face of America on April 28, approaching Frederick. Photograph by Richard Rhinehart, World T.E.A.M. Sports.

Arlington, Virginia, April 24, 2012 – The legacy of Corporal Jim “Seamus” Garrahy will be honored at World T.E.A.M. Sports’ Face of America ride April 27-29 with two Marine Corps guest speakers kicking off the event.

The Face of America is the annual inclusive bicycle ride from World T.E.A.M. Sports that brings together wounded warriors, active and retired military and civilians for a 110-mile journey from the Pentagon to the historic battlefields of Gettysburg. The event honors the commitment and sacrifices of our nation’s wounded warriors, and provides an opportunity for inspiration among participants and spectators.

Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills will give the keynote address at the Face of America April 27 banquet dinner. Photograph courtesy Richard Mills.

A veteran Marine who retired in 1968 but served as the proud host for numerous military-related events at his Gettysburg farm, including the Face of America, Corporal Garrahy fought hard in his battle against cancer, but passed in early January of this year. In honor of the Corporal, and his tireless support and dedication to service men and women, Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, will provide the keynote address to the nearly 500 ride participants on Friday evening at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC-Crystal City in Arlington.

The Huntington, New York native has served in operations in Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, Italy and Germany. He has studied at the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, and has commanded the 1st Marine Division. Lieutenant General Mills is the first Marine Corps General Officer to command NATO forces in combat action. At present, he serves as the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.

On Saturday morning, April 28, Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, will provide brief remarks to the participants prior to the start of the ride. As the senior non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, Sgt. Maj. Battaglia is the principal military advisor to the Chairman and to the Secretary of Defense on all matters including enlisted personnel.

Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia will provide remarks prior to the start of the ride on April 28. Photograph courtesy Bryan Battaglia.

A New Orleans native, Sgt. Maj. Battaglia joined the Marine Corps in 1979 and has had deployments worldwide, including the Persian Gulf War, Norway, Cuba, Great Britain and southwest Asia. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star w/Combat V and one gold star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

The 2012 Face of America Ride is presented by Capital One, and sponsored by American Portfolios, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Electric, Penske Truck Rental, Revolution Cycles and Raleigh America, Subway of the Bethesda Naval Hospital and Frito-Lay, and Veterans Corps of America. Funds raised through the event cover the costs of the event and the participating wounded warriors, and help fund upcoming World T.E.A.M. Sports events such as the Sea to Shining Sea cross-country ride this May 28-July 28.

The Face of America ride has been held annually since 2006, after beginning as a cross-country bicycle ride with the disabled in 2000. In September 2002 and 2003, the event was held as a New York to Washington ride in memorial of the victims of the 9/11 attacks on America. Beginning in 2006, World T.E.A.M. Sports redirected the ride to a Washington to Gettysburg course.

Holbrook, New York, April 24, 2012 – I used to think I was incapable of perspiring — that I had a different internal makeup from others that kept me from working up a good sweat. Since becoming more physically active, in large part from the inspiration I gained participating in my first Face of America (FOA) bike ride last year, that silly notion has been dispelled. On the contrary, individuals who live with paraplegia or quadriplegia do not sweat. I learned this recently while chilling out with quadriplegic George Taborsky after we finished a 40-mile bike ride with Team American Portfolios in preparation for FOA coming up this weekend. From American Portfolios CEO Lon Dolber’s house out on Eastern Long Island, we rode to Cupsogue Beach, then to Shinnecock Inlet, circling back to West Hampton Beach and returning to Lon’s home in East Moriches.

George Taborsky (right) at the 2011 Face of America ride, with fellow team members. Photograph courtesy American Portfolios.

By nature individuals can maintain a body temperature of about 98.6 degrees and adapt to the environment that they’re in. When it’s hot, human physiology manages this through perspiration, which evaporates into the skin and cools down the body. But someone with a complete spinal chord injury cannot perspire below the level of their injury, and in some cases, even above it. So on a warm day, a paraplegic or quadriplegic — unbeknownst to them – will likely have a rise in body temperature; and if they are active, it’s something they’ve taught themselves to be acutely aware of and to correct as soon as possible.

Over a glass of much needed OJ and a bagel with cream cheese, George educated me on the finer details of life as a quadriplegic. He shared his story about his accident in 1992 where, at a college reunion, he hit his head at the shallow end of a pool after being pushed down a slide, resulting in a c6 broken neck injury. After a few years working through some difficult adjustments and personal losses, George slowly gravitated to activities that made him feel whole. He began volunteering as a peer mentor at the rehab facility for Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and at the Northport VA Medical Center, where he worked prior to his accident; it ultimately turned into a full-time paying job for him as a biomedical engineer technician repairing medical equipment, a move that caused him to lose his Medicaid and personal care benefits, forcing him to become more independent. Then he found quad rugby and everything changed for him. The physical activity has kept him conditioned and strong; for the last fifteen years or so George has been actively playing on various quad rugby teams, improving his game to the point of being invited to play in regional competitions and the opportunity to travel all over the country. As with most 40-somethings who are resigned to relegating competitive sports to the young, George has been focusing his activities more with outdoor fitness and adventure sports such as skiing, kayaking and bicycling.

George may likely be the only quadriplegic at FOA this year; last year he was one among only two—the other, his quad rugby friend Lee Fredette, who is currently immersed in his doctorate studies in psychology. But for George, in an activity that tends to be a solitary one, he has enjoyed the practice rides with Team American Portfolios and is looking forward to the camaraderie that comes with an event like FOA, not to mention showing his support for the disabled veterans.

Barring poor health, like me, nothing is going to deter George from riding in FOA this weekend, not even stormy weather conditions, the likes of which we experienced last year.

Let’s cross our fingers for smooth riding with the blessing of blue skies.

The 2012 American Portfolios Face of America team at a training ride. Photograph courtesy American Portfolios.