Francesco
How did you get involved with Achilles?
So, I got recruited in a grocery store. It was about ten years ago, and I was doing shopping, and I’m blind, so I was holding my cane, and a guide for Achilles saw me and walked up to me and told me that I should join Achilles. Obviously in New York City, if a stranger walks up to you they’re probably trying to recruit you to a political movement or something, but so I was very suspicious, but I went home, did some research, figured out it was a real organization, and signed up for my first Saturday workout back in 2017. Ten years later and here we are.
What is the biggest challenge in your role with Achilles?
I’d say that no two days are alike, and so having to adapt is difficult. I’m obviously in the park leading workouts, but then I’m also having corporate partnership meetings where we’re trying to go into different companies to get funding or going to different conferences, or tabling at recruiting events. There’s really such a wide range of things that we do, but it’s all so fun. There’s the corporate side, there’s the arranging of events side, and then the volunteering and workouts side.
If, hypothetically, you were to get additional funding for Achilles, where do you think that money would be best put to use?
We’re always either short on equipment or people. Having more equipment allows us to have more athletes on wheelchairs or bikes. And, in terms of people, the more staff we have the more programs we’re able to lead. With us, there isn’t a large cost per athlete that comes. It’s a cost per workout or program that we produce. And so, the more staff we’re able to have, the more programs we are able to lead.
Do you have a favorite Achilles moment, either a run or inspirational experience with an athlete?
My favorite moments are when I meet new athletes that haven’t run in their entire lives, but then go on to run marathons. The way running completely changes their lives and outlook is so special to see. Watching people build up mileage and even go on marathons is such a cool progression to get to watch. It’s really about following the journey.
With all of your years of experience, do you have any advice for people who are considering becoming either an Achilles athlete or Achilles guide?
Just try. It’s so different from anything else you’ll do, that you won’t know if you’ll like it or not unless you really just show up and try it. There’s zero commitment, right, you can literally just show up once, figure out you don’t like it, and then never come again. Especially if you have a disability, just come out and try it and meet new people.
