Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Coming to Steel City

PITTSBURGH, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A city known for its sports teams and rich industrial history will soon serve as a backdrop for 50 injured service members taking an emotional first step towards recovery. Come show your support for our country's bravest men and women as Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride® presented by USAA® heads to Pittsburgh from June 11 through June 13.

Often serving as an introductory physical health and wellness program for WWP veterans, Soldier Ride brings together injured service members for a long weekend that facilitates camaraderie and healing through various physical health and wellness activities. Adjusting to a new normal can be tough for our nation's heroes as they are learning to cope with mental and physical wounds. Participants often find Soldier Ride to be a life-changing experience as they connect with fellow troops who are battling the same struggles.

Before the ride, each disabled veteran is fit with adaptive equipment to meet their specific needs. After the fitting is complete, the weekend is action-packed with team-building activities aimed at providing veterans with an opportunity to lean on one another for support and the empowerment to take on civilian life. Over the course of Soldier Ride Pittsburgh, the injured service members will cycle 32 total miles as a team on an inspirational journey that is sure to stay with them forever.

Full Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 1110:30 AM to 1:00 PMBike Fitting with Injured VeteransHYATT House Pittsburgh2795 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Thursday, June 117:15 PMWelcome to Soldier Ride MovieSouthside Works Cinema425 Cinema Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Friday, June 129:00 AM Soldier Ride – Day 1 (13 Miles)Start & End: Duquesne Incline1197 W Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219***Open to general public who would like to show their support

Friday, June 121:30-3:30 PMRowing Three Rivers Rowing Association90 Riverfront Drive, Millevale, PA 15209

Saturday, June 139:00 AM Soldier Ride – Day 2 (19 miles)Start & End: Moraine State Park448 North Shore Drive, Portersville, PA 16501***Open to general public who would like to show their support

Saturday, June 131:30-3:30 PMYoga, Kayaking, Paddle BoardingMoraine State Park448 North Shore Drive, Portersville, PA 16501

Soldier Ride presented by USAA is also being supported across the country by U-HAUL, a founding partner of Soldier Ride, and TREK, both proud supporters of WWP.

About Soldier RideSoldier Ride® began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles coast-to-coast in support of WWP. In 2005, Carney again cycled coast-to-coast, this time with several combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldier Ride has been welcomed at the White House since 2008 when President Bush called it "the most inspiring athletic event in the country," and most recently in April 2015 by President Obama where WWP Alumni met privately with him before the event.

Soldier Ride is a physical health & wellness program of WWP, which envisions a generation of wounded veterans well-adjusted in body, receiving the care they need to maximize rehabilitation and live active and healthy lives. Through peer support, adaptive sports, health, nutrition, and recreational activities, WWP helps warriors achieve independence and pursue an excellent quality of life.

More information on Soldier Ride is available at soldierride.org.

About Wounded Warrior ProjectThe mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.  

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project