The Ataxian Athlete Initiative (AAI) provides adaptive cycling equipment to people with any type of ataxia who have demonstrated the desire to stay active and healthy despite their disabilities. This year, the AAI was sponsored by our partners at Catrike, The FA Project, The Texas Irish Foundation, and a contribution in memory of Gladys Lacativo.

FARA is pleased to announce the 2015 AAI grant recipients: Lee Bailey of Melbourne Australia, Marcos Alfonso Garcia Campo of Barcelona, Spain, Mandy Davis of Clinton, MO, Tiffany Gambill of Bridgewater, MA., Sean Mazeres of Woodland, CA, Kimberly Welch of Bridgeville, PA, and Billie Wells of Southfield, MI.

**Note: This article is focused on individuals affected by FA but aspects of this article may relate to many other conditions with symptoms that include compromised balance and coordination.**

It is likely that every person with Friedreich's ataxia (FA), Ataxia, or any neuromuscular disease with no current treatment or cure has heard it many times before "Exercise is the key to staying healthy and may even slow down the progression of the disease."

With obvious positive physical and mental effects, exercise is the main treatment that is available to us right now. However there are many factors such as accessibility, availability, and cost that limit exercise. Adaptive cycling is one of the most accessible forms of exercise because anyone can do it as long as they have the right equipment. For someone living with Friedreich's ataxia (FA) who would like to try adaptive cycling, the first question is:

We are incredibly grateful to our Media Partner, PHL 17 for an outstanding job on three promo videos leading up to the Philly ride. Check them out. Thank you Jennifer Lewis-Hall and team!