2012 was a busy and successful year for Andrew Races’ fundraising. One of the more recent events, the second “Ride for Andrew” Motorcycle Power Run had many riders come out, and nice weather made the day a great experience for all. Trantolo & Trantolo and TSI Harley Davidson supported the event.
Along with this successful event was the Outback Lunch, car wash, Yoga for Andrew, Golf at Sonny’s Place, Pumpkins for Andrew, and Taste Books, which began on November 4 at Shop Rite. These books, with options for Connecticut and Massachusetts residents, will be available for the next four months. Previously, Trantolo & Trantolo sponsored the Andrew Races Car & Bike Wash.
For Andrew Haraghey, these fundraising efforts have been a tremendous help toward his goal of competing in Sochi, Russia on the U.S. Paralympics Ski Team in 2014. For the rest of the year, he has one trip booked for Thanksgiving week and two to train with Team Mau at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Andrew is additionally progressing to the National Races this season, where he will compete against some of the best downhill skiing racers in the world.
Born with cerebral palsy, Andrew started skiing at the age of 7, and by the age of 10, he had learned to ski independently. In October 2007, he was given the opportunity, through AbilityPLUS, to mentor students with disabilities. Even when he began his formal training in the 2009-’10 season, Andrew has continued to mentor as a skiing and snowboarding instructor.
Fundraising for his current goal began in 2011. By December 2011, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the National Race Festival at the Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colo. At this training session, Mau Thompson, the 2011 USSA Adaptive Coach of the Year, selected Andrew as an “Emerging Athlete” and a prospective participants in the 2014 Paralympics.
