"2013 PigAbilities Team Flies to the Finish at Flying Pig Marathon!"

Saturday, May 4th marked the premiere of the new PigAbilities event as part of this year’s Flying Pig Marathon and more than 150 athletes took part in the big race. It was a beautiful day made even more special by the celebration of the hard work of the athletes representing many of the organizations who are part of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA) group; a non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities. Ohio Valley Goodwill is a founding member of the CARA group and was thrilled to take part in the new PigAbilities event which was the culmination of a 12-week training program for the athletes involved. PigAbilities team members set individual goals for their training efforts, learned about nutrition and making healthy choices, and celebrated milestones along the way. The day of the Marathon served as the occasion for all of the athletes to finish the 26th mile of the famous race and receive a medal for their efforts. Ohio Valley Goodwill team members this year included Kristine Agoston, Craig Franta,Melinda Gabelman, Darlene O’Hair, Sharon Hannon and the Agoston family. Along with athletes from Catholic Residential Services, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Stepping Stones Center, RHC, United Cerebral Palsy and Visionaries and Voices, the Goodwill team members loved having their dedication to good health recognized. Dozens of on-lookers cheered on the racers throughout the event and applauded the athletes when medals were awarded. Coordinated by CARA Executive Director Debbie Moorehous and trainer, Karen Bruce, the new PigAbilities event was designed to provide the support, instruction and encouragement each person needed to be successful in reaching their goal. One of the highlights of the day was when Visionaries and Voices artist Emily Funk presented trainer Karen Bruce with a specially designed medal she had created prior to the start of the Race. “It was truly a great day for Team Goodwill members as well as all members of the PigAbilities training group,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist. “We are grateful to CARA for all of their efforts to make this event possible and so memorable for the athletes involved.”