Getting2Tri Opens Registration for National Triathlon Training Camp for Physically-Challenged Athletes

PRNewswire/ -- The Getting2Tri Foundation (G2T, online at www.getting2tri.org), announced its National Triathlon Training Camp (NTTC) will be held March 19-22, 2009 in Atlanta, Ga. The second annual event provides new and experienced physically-challenged athletes with individualized coaching, interactive presentations and teachings, workout sessions, community building time and expert analysis. Hosted at the sports facilities of the Georgia Institute of Technology, the camp is limited to 100 participants to ensure individualized attention and safety. Registration is open at www.getting2tri.org.

"This is the only national triathlon training camp in the country for athletes with a physical disability," said Gina Weathersby, executive director, The Getting2Tri Foundation. "This national event allows us to bring together athletes of all levels, coaches, trainers and mentors for four days focused on developing skills in swimming, cycling and running. While our focus is on instruction, the camp builds a community for physically-challenged athletes that extends well beyond their time in Atlanta." Now in its second year, the camp is held in March in an effort to best prepare physically-challenged athletes prior to the start of the triathlon season.

The camp will require more than 300 volunteers who will contribute to all aspects of the camp from operations to athlete coaching to training partners. Volunteers of all abilities and experiences are encouraged to support the athletes at this national event. Experienced athletes from the three sports of triathlon, as well as physical and recreational therapists and licensed coaches, are encouraged to volunteer at the only triathlon camp dedicated to athletes with a disability. "Volunteering with G2T brings a purpose to our participation in sports and strengthens our community," said Weathersby.

Formed in 2006, the organization provides coaching, mentoring and training in the sports of swimming, cycling and running to physically-challenged individuals. Specifically, G2T addresses the needs of individuals with limb loss, paralysis and muscular or neurological disorders. G2T athletes range from single sport members entering their first race as part of a relay team, to seasoned triathletes competing in Kona at the Ironman World Championships. The backgrounds of physically-challenged athletes are just as varied as their goals, from wounded veterans to people with limb loss due to disease. For each athlete, G2T's focus is the same: to get him or her onto the playing field, at whatever level is their personal best.

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Finneran Showing No Ill Effects from Knee Injury

The cheers for Brian Finneran sound a bit louder these days.

He's had great catches along the sideline and even more nice grabs over the middle during Russell Falcons Training Camp. But cheers aren't necessarily coming for his play alone.

His history made him a fan favorite.

The nine-year veteran missed the last two seasons with knee injuries. But his 15 career touchdowns (12 since joining the Falcons in 2002) ring clear in fans' minds. Every catch made during camp is a sign of a comeback. Every step of a pass route is a step in the right direction.

"My legs may have been a little heavy," Finneran said after his first practice this off-season. "I'm just easing into it but I felt pretty good in terms of football and knowing where I need to be."

Finneran has played in 86 career games. He has 187 catches for 2,647 yards. Most have gone for first downs, cementing his status as one of the team's better clutch receivers. Now he's earning his stripes all over again.

“I think it will be a great story if Brian makes it all the way back," added Head Coach Mike Smith, "He has done a great job rehabilitating and having to miss two seasons. He is doing everything in his power and we are going to bring him along slowly. We had a talk last night about when they were going to let him get in two practices a day. That should be coming very soon. That will be the true test to see if he can take the pounding of two practices. He has made a lot of nice catches here for us at camp so far.”

After the first day of full-pad work, Finneran was in good spirits.

“That is part of it, but the other comes in the preseason..." he said when asked about taking contact from the defense.

Finneran said he's been running routes at full-speed for several weeks but he's careful not to overdue it.

"I'll ice a little bit longer and work on a few things with the knee," he said. "(Coaches) have been taking care of me pretty good. If any soreness comes up I can talk to the coaches and they'll take care of me."

Finneran helped consistently on special teams before his injury and says he can also contribute there if needed. The injury won't hold him back.

"I made my NFL career playing special teams," he said. "If I had to go out there and play punt team, punt return or cover kickoffs... Even if I'm a backup guy they know if someone goes down I can fill right in.

"If they ask me to do that I'll be happy to do it."

So the cheers will continue with every catch the 6-foot-5 receiver makes. With luck and dedication, there won't be a repeat of the injury bug.

"I have not had any problems," Finneran said. "I feel good and I don’t foresee any problems.”


J Michael Moore
Atlantafalcons.com Managing Editor