Two-day journey through Bataan Death March path seeks to fund NAC’s veteran programs
PARK CITY, UTAH (Feb. 20, 2019) – The 3rd annual Epic Charity Challengeheads to the Philippines to benefit the National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities. The two-day, dauntless journey through the Bataan Death March will take place March 2-3, 2019 and seeks to fund year-round programming for veteran programs at the NAC.
“We hope to highlight the history of the Bataan Death March while uplifting an organization that caters to those of all abilities,” said Lance Cummings, Retired Navy SEAL Officer and founder of Epic Charity Challenge. “Our Bataan theme is ‘Excel through Adversity.’ Each step that we take along this 100-mile route is to recognize the grit and resilience of NAC participants with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. We are doing this course to honor the veterans of the ‘Greatest Generation’ and remind ourselves how to overcome. It is a win-win for everyone involved and those that will benefit from our endeavors.”
Taking place over two days in Luzon, Philippines, the 100-mile, 36-hour Epic Charity Challenge hopes to raise over $200,000 for the National Ability Center through a donation portal for athletes participating in the challenge. Launched in 2017, the Epic Charity Challenge has traveled to Greece and France in previous years, raising more than $370,000. Epic Charity Challenge hopes to register at least 30 athletes for the event and is encouraging the Park City community to become involved with this year’s expedition to the Philippines
“Partnering with the Epic Charity Challenge is an incredible honor for the National Ability Center,” said Carey Cusimano, director of development at the National Ability Center. “Lance’s determination to shed light on groups whose mission is to provide opportunities for people with differing abilities, while recognizing our organization as this year’s beneficiary is a tribute to the challenge’s purpose.”
The challenge tests the strength and endurance of participants through activities over the nearly 100-mile self-supported ruck march. The Epic Charity Challenge transpires over the historical route where over 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war marched for three days against severe conditions. While 36 hours for the march is the general timeframe, the group aims to accomplish 100 miles in 32 hours. The 2018 Epic Charity Challenge traveled to Normandy, France, where Challenge participants swam the English Channel and climbed the original D-Day goal, scaling Omaha Beach to Saint-Lo’, France.
National Ability Center veteran athlete, Matt Melancon will be representing the organization on the Epic Charity Challenge. A $6,000 pledge is required for all participants and all funds will go to the National Ability Center. To contribute to the Epic Charity Challenge fund or sign up for the event, visit discovernac.networkforgood.com. For more information on the Epic Charity Challenge, visit www.discovernac.org/epiccharitychallengeor email [email protected]. To learn about the National Ability Center or become a volunteer, visit discovernac.org.
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Centerprovides world-class adaptive recreation and Splore outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, physical, cognitive and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans and more. Rooted in Park City, UT for over 30 years, with additional facilities in Salt Lake City and Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. The National Ability Center is globally recognized as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and is one of only 12 Gold U.S. Paralympic Sports Clubs. For more information, visit www.discovernac.org.
