Good afternoon Friends,
While riding my handbike on the Rillito River trail in Tucson, Arizona February 16, 2023, I met Eduardo Aguirre as he was riding his handbike - my life was changed. We finished the ride together, me stuggling to hang on to his wheel, and he telling me all about Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS). Two days later I did my first ride with the SAAS group and never looked back. Eduardo was the eptiomy of the SAAS group - positive, supportive, encouraging and can-do attitude toward everyone, especially individuals with any type of disability. I'm not sure he even saw someone's disability, rather he just wanted to do things and would figure out how we all could do them. Within a week Eduardo had me visiting rehab centers with him to encourage people who were recently disabled to get them involved in an active lifestyle. It was an intense month of activities with Eduardo and SAAS, as I was learning so much, like drinking water from a fire hose. Sadly, Eduardo died March 15th, 2023. I had only known him for one month but it felt like he had been a life long friend.
SAAS has set up the 'Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Program' to support anyone who would like to try handcycling. The SAAS cyclists, and I, will be riding in El Tour de Tucson, bike ride and we are raising funds for the Adaptive Cycling program named in honor of Eduardo. If you are able and would like to make a donation to to the Eduardo Adaptive Cycling fund, I would be super grateful. You can click the 'Donate' link above or send a check directly to:
"Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports" (SAAS) 2610 E. Croyden Street Tucson, AZ 85716 (Director is Mia Hansen, Ph (520.370.0588))
If you have any questions or want to contact me: Ph 573.268.1102 mobile, [email protected]
Many thanks for your consideration, jjb
Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports
Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS) creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in recreational and competitive sports. Adaptive cycling means everyone can enjoy riding a bike, handcycle, trike or tandem. In 2023, SAAS lost our dear friend & adaptive cycling coordinator Eduardo Aguirre to depression and suicide. We are riding El Tour de Tucson 2023 in Eduardo's honor. Funds raised will go to the Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Center Fund to support people with disabilities who want to start handcycling or other forms of adaptive cycling in support of mental health & wellness.
Please join our sponsor OMEO AMERICA in support of SAAS. The OMEO Cycling Team will raise funds, build awareness, and promote cycling for good health. As an OMEO Cycling Team Member, you will gain access to a special OMEO Accessible / reserved parking area for handcyclists & trikes to unload near the START/FINISH line downtown Tucson. You will have the support of the OMEO CREW to help load your handcycle or trike, get you to the reserved starting line area, provide hydration, snacks, and a professional massage or cool-down stretch post-race! Those who raise over $250 will recevie an OMEO Cycling JERSEY.
Register for El Tour and pick SAAS as your nonprofit. Start a fundraising page! Get your friends, family, and total strangers to join! We ride in pursuit of better health and a strong community!
Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS) creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in recreational and competitive sports. Adaptive cycling means everyone can enjoy riding a bike, handcycle, trike or tandem. In 2023, SAAS lost our dear friend & adaptive cycling coordinator Eduardo Aguirre to depression and suicide. We are riding El Tour de Tucson 2023 in Eduardo's honor. Funds raised will go to the Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Center Fund to support people with disabilities who want to start handcycling or other forms of adaptive cycling in support of mental health & wellness.
Please join our sponsor OMEO AMERICA in support of SAAS. The OMEO Cycling Team will raise funds, build awareness, and promote cycling for good health. As an OMEO Cycling Team Member, you will gain access to a special OMEO Accessible / reserved parking area for handcyclists & trikes to unload near the START/FINISH line downtown Tucson. You will have the support of the OMEO CREW to help load your handcycle or trike, get you to the reserved starting line area, provide hydration, snacks, and a professional massage or cool-down stretch post-race! Those who raise over $250 will recevie an OMEO Cycling JERSEY.
Register for El Tour and pick SAAS as your nonprofit. Start a fundraising page! Get your friends, family, and total strangers to join! We ride in pursuit of better health and a strong community!