9th Annual Alive Ride in Pinellas Park
Cyclists make their way through Pinellas County participating in the “Alive Ride.” The 11-mile ride is hosted by the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch and is an opportunity to thank veterans for their service.
PINELLAS PARK, Florida. – More than 100 people biked 11 miles through the streets of Pinellas Park on Thursday as part of the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch’s ninth annual Alive Ride.
Marine Mike Delancey founded the nonprofit organization in 2015 with the goal of getting veterans outdoors and active. Delancey was paralyzed by a sniper’s bullet in Iraq in 2006.
“After my injury, I went back to the VA and talked to the other injured veterans. My dad and I started thinking about starting our own foundation,” Delancey said. “Then the city of Pinellas Park approached us. They had 10 acres of land and wanted our advice on what to do there for the veterans. That was kind of the impetus to start our foundation.”
The ranch and park is 10 acres in Pinellas Park donated by the city that Delancey created with his parents. It is a fully wheelchair accessible park with bike paths, outdoor fitness stations and a multi-purpose court for basketball, rugby, baseball, bocce and tennis.
Delancey said the ride was a sign of his “day of life,” marking the anniversary of his rebirth and the day he decided to make the most of his injury.
“One of the most important things is for people to know that the community has their back when we come home. You come back with all kinds of injuries and you wonder, ‘Can I get back on my feet? Can I go back to doing the things I used to do?’ The reason we started the foundation is to show them that you can do this,” Delancey said.
The riders left the Quaker Steak and Lube on 49th Street North around 9 a.m. and were escorted by police the entire way. They stopped at local schools and businesses along the route. They returned around 10:45 a.m. and were greeted by community members. The restaurant also had food for the public to purchase.
WWAR’s headquarters is open in the Lealman Exchange. It is a one-stop shop for veterans with all the facilities for disabled sports and recreational activities. Delancey said his goal is to bring all veterans together and create community through fitness.
WWAR also sent athletes to Paris to participate in the Paralympics.
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