JOIN CHALLENGE ASPEN FOR THE SCREENING OF "CRAWL WALK RUN" - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 6:30 PM AT AEPCKE AUDITORIUM, ASPEN

Aspen, Colo. (August 28, 2007) - - Challenge Aspen and iKandi Films presents the screening of ‘Crawl Walk Run’ on Monday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Paepcke Auditorium in Aspen. A $25 donation will benefit the efforts of the Challenge Aspen Budapest Marathon Team.

‘Crawl Walk Run’ is a powerful film by son and mother team, Tom and Annalisa Hodgkins, documenting 14 brave young Iraq War Veterans who return from Iraq with extensive amputations, brain injuries and traumas. The film reflects the emotion, challenges and personal healing during the remarkable 10-day Challenge Aspen Ultimate Outdoor Adventure for injured young war Veterans, as they raft, trek and climb 226 miles of rugged Grand Canyon terrain. Winner of Best of the Fest at Breckenridge, ‘Crawl Walk Run’ was filmed in 2006 and has been shown at Telluride and Long Island Film Festivals, and in the UK.

“For some of the soldiers, it has been only a matter of months since their injury,” explains Sarah W. Volf, Challenge Aspen REC Programs Director. Brian Fountaine, a 24-year old soldier, was scheduled to fly out of Iraq on June 10th, but on June 8th he was hit by an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) and lost both legs bi-laterally, below the knees. Brian healed well enough to be able to join the trip, but was still very fresh off his injury. ‘Crawl Walk Run’ invites Brian to tell his story and tells the stories of others on the trip, who have shown unrelenting bravery in the center of their recovery. “It was clearly evident that this trip to the Grand Canyon not only challenged physical abilities, but proved to be a catalyst for bonding, emotional and psychological breakthroughs,” Volf says. “These soldiers have worked so hard to heal, physically. The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure experience was invaluable for all involved, building confidence by adapting and succeeding and ultimately leading to a smoother transition back into society,” she adds. “Tom and Annalisa did a beautiful job with ‘Crawl Walk Run’, reflecting the true emotion of hope and recovery in such an authentic way.”

Contact Jenni or Kirsten at Challenge Aspen to purchase tickets at 970-923-0578


ABOUT CHALLENGE ASPEN
Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has provided adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to thousands of individuals with disabilities from around the world. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Challenge Aspen is an internationally established charitable organization. As a leader and innovator offering participants’ safe, expert instruction and the best competitive ski-racing and educational programs available in the world, Challenge Aspen also provides outstanding summer therapeutic art and drama camps to children with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, Challenge Aspen creates adaptive wilderness experiences and provides elite race training for veterans with disabilities. Critical partnerships with sponsors like Aspen Ski Co. combined with the generous support of the Founders’ Circle, National Council members and annual fund raisers, provide the funding necessary for Challenge Aspen to empower all participants through its outdoor and cultural experiences, regardless of financial status. www.challengeaspen.org