Goodwill PigAbilities Team Flies at Virtual Event on October 6th!
Team Goodwill was in fine form the morning of October 6th as the group of athletes prepared to launch their first-ever ” virtual” PigAbilities event at a local park. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon and PigAbilities event were cancelled this year but virtual events were offered as an alternative. Goodwill’s team of athletes from the organization’s Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE) program immediately decided to train and participate. The team of six athletes, Kristine Agoston, Jordan Gross, Garrett Halpin, Jon Hicks, Phillip Hoover and Elizabeth Steele were ready to fly by the time the morning of October 6th rolled around. Coach, Lois Kramer, CARE Supervisor along with Assistant Coaches Sharon Hannon and Alisha Moore from Goodwill’s Marketing team were there to support the PigAbilities athletes during the one mile walk. After a brief group celebration at the park, the PigAbilities event was followed by a medal ceremony presented by Pig Works (the parent organization of the Flying Pig Marathon) on Ohio Valley Goodwill’s campus. To see our PigAbilities athletes fly, visit www.facebook.com/cincigoodwill
The Pig Works team was excitedly waiting at Goodwill to present the formal medal ceremony along with the Pig mascot. Local media from channels 5, 9 and 19 also came to cover the Virtual PigAbilities event and medal ceremony. Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, served as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed everyone. Each athlete then came to the medal stand to be awarded their medals by Pig Works Executive Director, Iris Simpson-Bush. “I am so happy for all of you. This is a wonderful achievement and I honor all of you for your commitment to fitness,” noted Simpson-Bush. After numerous photos with the Pig Mascot and an interview with channel 19 with Team Coach, Lois Kramer and PigAbilities athletes Kristine Agoston, Jordan Gross, Jon Hicks and Phillip Hoover, the PigAbilities team finished the formal festivities by celebrating their success at lunch. ” I could not be more proud of our PigAbilities team members,” said Lois Kramer, Coach and CARE Supervisor. “The group trained for this event and successfully achieved their goal which is what PigAbilities is all about. The CARE program is designed to promote community involvement and integration and an event like PigAbilities is perfect for us.”
Team Goodwill for Virtual PigAbilities event 2020
PigAbilities is an empowering option for athletes of all ages and abilities who want to commit to going the distance by making healthy choices in their lives. The PigAbilities event normally takes place when there are fewer crowds, increased accessibility and more parking. 2020 marks the fourth year that Ohio Valley Goodwill has committed to being the Title sponsor for the PigAbilities event. Last year’s event broke all previous records for participation with more than 400 athletes choosing to finish the final mile of the Flying Pig Marathon. In 2019, more than 50 athletes supported by Ohio Valley Goodwill participated in the Pigabilities event and the post-race celebration and loved it. While this year’s ” virtual” event only welcomed six dedicated athletes directly affiliated with Goodwill, other athletes have chosen to create ” virtual” PigAbilities events in their home communities as well. Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to Pig Works for their support of the 2020 ” virtual” PigAbilities event and are very proud of the athletes who accomplished their personal goals. For more information about PigAbilities, visit http://flyingpigmarathon.com/events/pigabilities/. For more information about the CARE program, visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.
