Summit DD Chronicles First Push-Chair Team in Akron Marathon

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, The County of Summit Developmental Disabilities Board, or Summit DD, will chronicle a milestone in the quest for inclusion as “Team Andre and Zeke” compete in the 2013 Akron Marathon. Last year, two friends embarked on journey to train for this local test of will, and this Saturday they intend to prove to others that all dreams are possible.Andre Travis, who was born with cerebral palsy, explained the thought behind this goal. “This race isn’t about me. It’s about the people who think they can’t do this,” he said. Jason “Zeke” Petrie, Andre’s friend and transportation provider, was enthusiastic about Andre’s goal to compete in the marathon. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be able to do this. He pushes me more than anyone,” stressed Petrie. The pair will compete as the first push-chair team in the history of the Akron Marathon. Andre will encourage Zeke throughout the 26.2 mile race, while Zeke pushes Andre in a race-adapted wheelchair. Summit DD will continue to update followers on the team’s progress throughout the race on Facebook, at Facecbook.com/SummitDD, and on Twitter, at @SummitDD, #AndresLegacy. More information about the friends’ journey can be found at SummitDDblog.comThe County of Summit Developmental Disabilities Board is a levy-funded agency that provides services to more than 4,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Summit County. It is the organization’s mission to offer a lifetime of services and supports to eligible individuals and families that enable people with developmental disabilities to work, live and learn as equal citizens in their communities. More information regarding the agency is available online at www.summitdd.org.