Richard Traum, Achilles International
Keynote Presentation
2012 Fall IDN Summit
General Session: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 9:30 am - 10:15 am
IDN Summit welcomes Dr. Richard Traum, president and founder, Achilles International, and his inspiring message of hope and perseverance to the 2012 Fall IDN Summit.Dr. Richard Traum will present his keynote address during the general session at the 2012 Fall IDN Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 12th, where he will share how to utilize available tools to bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to others.
From humble beginnings in 1983, Achilles International currently has chapters and members in over 65 locations across the country and abroad. To learn more about Achilles International, visit their website.
Keynote Presentation - Achilles Heals: Running the Race for Hope, Inspiration and the Rewards of Achievement
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 9:30 am - 10:15 am
IDN Summit presents the inspiring message of Achilles International when Richard Traum, president and founder, takes the stage at the general session on Wednesday, Sept. 12th.
In 1976, Dick Traum, an above-the-knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running--small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International.
Over the years, Achilles has also developed specialized programs for children and war veterans. Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 65 locations within the United States and abroad. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides disabled athletes with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train, and within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their lives.
Finish strong as you wind up a productive day of relationship building during the Reverse Expo and take time to enjoy a beautiful Arizona evening. Racing and winning is really all about heart. You will have the chance to show your heart is in the right place when IDN Summit partners with Achilles International to help athletes with disabilities attain what they need to run the good race as well. Corporate donations raised through the raffle of 2013 Spring IDN Summit Silver, Bronze, New Product Showcase and Focus Group sponsorships will go toward the Achilles Endow-a-Chair program that uses every $3500 raised to purchase a hand-crank wheelchair, allowing disabled athletes to compete in mainstream marathons. In addition, for every $30 donated the Achilles Kids program buys a pair of running shoes for low-income children with disabilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to wind down at the end of a productive day while helping others to finish strong as well.
Dr. Richard Traum, President and Founder, Achilles International
Dick Traum, an above-the-knee amputee, began running in the mid-1970s. A business entrepreneur with a successful computer applications company, Dick realized that he needed to do something about his sedentary lifestyle. He joined the West Side YMCA and found his passion. From a mile, he progressed to a five-mile race in Central Park.
Buoyed by his success, five months later he ran his first marathon and became the first amputee to run 26.2 miles. There was no looking back. In 1983, he founded the Achilles Track Club, now known as Achilles International.
Dick has a BS, MBA, and Ph.D. from New York University.
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