Hind jersey to benefit challenged athletes

Joining the Hind athletic apparel line for spring 2004 will be a colorful and eye-catching bike jersey that will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation – a group that gives athletic travel and gear grants to athletes with disabilities.

From the proceeds of the sales of the jerseys, emblazoned with mottos and motivational sayings used personally by the group’s athletes, the foundation will earn 15 percent. Available in both men’s and women’s styles and colors, they will have a suggested retail of $80.

“Hind came up with this idea all on their own,” Virginia Tinley, executive director of the foundation, told SNEWS. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to make some money, as well as to get a little exposure.”

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (www.challengedathletes.org) gives grants ranging from about $500 to $3,500 to athletes with disabilities such as amputated limbs or impaired eyesight for everything from airfare for national competitions to equipment such as expensive prosthetics or chairs. Based in San Diego, Calif., the foundation, which was founded in 1997 but ran a popular fund-raising triathlon starting in 1993, will get hangtags on the jerseys that describe the foundation and give contact information.

“It’s time to get involved, and it’s a great cause to stand behind,” said Hind spokeswoman Danielle Sander.

Sayings on the jersey include “Train to be the best,” “Think big,” “Fear is fun,” “Adapt, improve, overcome,” “I have no limits,” and “Dream. Live huge.”

The group’s triathlon in November of each year is well-known not only for attracting celebrities such as Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, but also for the $500 entry fee for individuals that gives participants “goodie bags” the likes of no other; the bags have a value of at least $500 and include a large quantity of company-donated products such as shoes, gym bags, apparel of all kinds, sunglasses, and any other kind of gear or clothing that an athletic person might be interested in. The foundation is always open to any donations not only for the event but also for its accompanying silent auction.

SNEWS View: The jerseys are indeed stunning, with sayings that any athlete of any kind would gain from reading or repeating. Give them to all your friends. And know you’re also giving to a good cause.