Project Echelon Racing: A Decade of Championing Veterans Through Cycling – and a New Film too Celebrate
Project Echelon Racing isn’t just a cycling team; it’s a powerful testament to resilience, both on and off the bike. This US-based organization is marking a decade of impactful work supporting military veterans, and on Christmas Day, they’re releasing “Outride the Darkness,” a 37-minute feature film detailing their inspiring journey. This isn’t just a sports story - it’s a story about overcoming adversity and finding healing through the power of physical activity and community.
From Elite Cycling to Veteran Support: The Project Echelon story
founded in 2017 as a domestic-elite club team, Project echelon quickly evolved. They ascended to the Continental level in 2023, achieving competitive success while concurrently expanding their core mission. The team recognized a unique prospect: leveraging the visibility and resources of elite cycling to benefit those who served.
Initially, the focus was simple. As team founder, hill explains, “We knew as an elite team we could access sponsorships and other benefits that veterans on their own would never get.” They started by supporting just 12 veterans, aiming to become the top team in the Midwest.
But their ambitions – and impact – grew exponentially. Today, Project Echelon supports over 500 veteran families annually.This growth is a direct result of their dedication to both athletic achievement and veteran well-being.
A Dual Narrative of resilience
“Outride the Darkness” beautifully captures two parallel narratives. The film showcases the team’s athletic triumphs – including a 2022 American Criterium Cup win and back-to-back UCI-level victories in France and Portugal – alongside the profound impact they’ve had on the lives of veterans.
hill emphasizes the film’s core message: “Our team and organization have helped thousands of veterans to outride their demons, outride their darkness… The film tells those two parallel stories, which I’m excited about.”
This isn’t just about winning races; it’s about helping veterans navigate challenges like loneliness, depression, PTSD, addiction, and suicidal thoughts. It’s about providing a pathway to healing and rediscovering purpose.
Veteran Success Stories: Beyond the Bike
Project Echelon’s impact is vividly illustrated through the remarkable achievements of the veterans they support. Here are just a few examples:
* Dennis Connors: A nine-year US Marine, Connors earned a silver medal in Para-Cycling at the Paris Paralympics and holds two world titles in road men’s trike.
* Shawn Morelli: An Army veteran who served in two wars,Morelli is a three-time paralympic gold medalist in Para-Cycling,with victories at both the Rio and Tokyo Games.
These are just two examples of the astonishing transformations Project Echelon facilitates. over the past nine years, they’ve offered a extensive range of opportunities for veterans to stay active, including:
* Mentorship programs
* Amateur cycling rides
* Virtual cycling communities
Why Project Echelon Matters: A Holistic Approach
What sets Project Echelon apart is its holistic approach. They understand that physical activity is a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. Cycling, in particular, provides a unique combination of physical challenge, mental focus, and social connection.
You might be a veteran seeking support, a cycling enthusiast looking to contribute, or simply someone inspired by stories of resilience. Project Echelon offers opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Watch “Outride the Darkness”
You can view the film on the Project Echelon Racing YouTube channel. Prepare to be moved by a story of dedication, perseverance, and the transformative power of cycling.
Learn more about Project echelon Racing and how you can support their mission at Project Echelon Racing Website.
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