Event Summary
When: Saturday April 18, 2015
Where: Atlanta, GA -Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
McKeever's First Ride, Atlanta 2015 was blessed with the "Dynamic Duo" of Dale Beatty and Reggie Showers. CNN Hero 2013, Dale Beatty, co-founded Purple Heart Homes after recuperating from the loss of both legs, from an IED explosion sustained while serving in Iraq. Reggie Showers, is known as the "World's Fastest Amputee" for his World Record drag motorcycling championships. Dale and Reggie both speak to groups around the country, inspiring youth, adults, Military and civilians facing adversity to press past limits and discouragement, in order to fulfill their potential.
Thanks to our main sponsors, ABC, Endolite, SPS. Hanger Clinic, College Park Industries, SureStep, and CHOA our 13th McKeever's First Ride and OPAF First Clinic was a success!
During Opening Ceremonies and throughout the day, both Dale and Reggie infused the crowd of participants and volunteers with insight and enthusiasm. The extraordinary covered arena of Gwinnett Fairgrounds served as the perfect facility. Throughout it, participants were able to ride, rope, drive carriages, and participate in various activity stations that provided means of enrichment and nurture. These include areas for Arts & Crafts for adults and youth, Therapeutic Massage by AMTA volunteers, and Ortho-bionomy, introduced by Elizabeth Beeson. As always, Sallie Davis' Petting Zoo was a huge hit, for kids and adults. One of the joys of McKeever's First Ride, is giving amputees and O&P patients a way to engage family members in their on-going adjustment and advancement. It is remarkable how the Petting Zoo and the Mini horse activities enhance that objective! A representative from Hanger was in attendance, and guests were intrigued with his display of prosthetic devices. The Military station and McKeever's Network station offered comfortable tables and snacks to feed body and soul, while networking and learning about a broad array of Resources to enrich adjustment to a "new normal." Who could resist Connie's homemade rice crispy treats? They were delightful!
Over 90 volunteers arrived at 8am to assist 50 plus participants. Over 15 teens participated in TEEN McKeever's station, where they learned about the needs of deployed Military and stuffed Care Packages with goodies and notes to boost their morale. Ed and Elizabeth Dabney of Dabney Gentle Horsemanship educated participants and their families about the spirit of the horse, and showcased some stunts achieved by the "horses of Sleepy Hollow TV show” --Horizon, Smoke, and Accolade--our four legged stars who were available to be ridden and used in ground work and grooming activities. Guests also enjoyed visiting the Food truck, and fellowshipping with friends made during previous McKeever's First Ride events. Deenie McKeever carried Old Glory in the presentation of the flags during Opening Ceremonies and rode with the Rusty Spurs as the women offered a Mounted Drill Team performance. Dr. Laurie Johnson welcomed Dale and Reggie to address the audience, who listened with rapt attention and responded to their talks with thunderous applause. Together we honored our Military and presented retired and active service personnel with an honorary cap and flashlight. Erik Pearson (of Soda Salon and Gallery) and son Gabe, were on hand to capture the incredible moments on film. Thanks to them, the wonderful day that was had by all will live on in memory and in our Past Events gallery! Thanks to everyone who made Atlanta 2015 a success!
Listen To The WLAQ Radio Show Event Summary by Laurie Johnson
Listen To Tracey Pearson Interview Deenie McKeever On The Prissy Tomboy Podcast / America's Web Radio
Show Summary: Join Tracey to hear the amazing and inspiring story of Deenie Mckeever’s. Deenie did not start riding horses until she was 60. Now 78, not only does she ride, she ropes cattle, has learned to speak the secret language of horses, and her next goal is to learn to dance with her horse.
Courtesy of America's Web Radio
Event Activites
- *NEW* The Horses Of Sleepy Hollow
- *NEW* Ortho-Bionomy
- *NEW* Canine Assitants
- Adaptive Riding
- Roping
- Carriage Rides and Therapeutic Carriage Driving
- Horse Grooming
- Groundwork
- Miniature Horses
- Wheelchair Sports Demonstrations
- Arts & Crafts
- Petting Zoo
- Military Networking
- Caregiver Networking
- Massage Therapy
- Teen Activities
- Special Demonstrations
Click here to learn more about these activities.
Our 2015 Special Guests
Dale Beatty & Reggie Showers
Dale Beatty may have lost both legs in a humvee collision with an IED in Iraq, but his metal legs and force of spirit are unstoppable! Dale's mix of charisma, warmth, humor, and keen intelligence make him a go-to advisor, for amputees and their loved ones who want to know how to make their "new normal" dynamic and purposeful! Dale is a motivator, truth teller, and visionary. We were proud to have him inject McKeever's First Ride with a bold challenge to every person to dig deeper and reach higher!
Reggie Showers could only improve his first visit to McKeever's First Ride in 2014 in one way--by bringing his beautiful and spirited daughter Autumn with him! We are so glad that he did, and that she joined the ranks of TEEN McKeever! Reggie reached hearts and souls, as he challenged amputees to "show your mettle" by letting their prosthetics be more visible to friends and strangers, so that they can be appreciated for the benefit they offer, and less feared or pitied. Reggie is a beloved speaker who helps youth and adults tap into their faith to find power, endurance, and dynamic passion for life. We were thrilled to have him at McKeever's First Ride, 2014 and 2015!
Event Photo Gallery
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