www.athletesservingathletes.org CONTACT: Dave Slomkowski, Founder and Executive Director, ASA 443-756-7711 david@athletesservingathletes.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 5, 2013 Athletes Serving Athletes Empowers First Athlete affected by Duchenes Muscular Dystrophy to Compete In EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 Eagle Man Triathlon Sunday, June 9 in Cambridge Baltimore, MD June 5, 2013 Shane Lauer, 21, of Phoenix, MD, a disabled athlete confined to a wheelchair, will participate in the 2013 EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 Eagle Man triathlon on Sunday, June 9, at Great Marsh Park, Somerset Avenue, Cambridge, competing in his fifth half ironman distance (70.3 miles) triathlon. The race has a 6:45 am start time and includes a 1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, and a 13.1 Mile Run. This will be Lauers second triathlon of the 2013 season after his epic 2012 season which included finishing the 140.6 Chesapeake Man Triathlon in September. With that finish Lauer became the first athlete in history living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to finish an ultra-distance triathlon finishing in just under 16 hours. Besides Rick Hoyt, Lauer is only the second athlete in history, that we know about, that has finished a triathlon of that distance. In addition to that accomplishment Lauer also qualified and competed in the Hy-Vee 5150 US National Championships, hosted in Des Moines Iowa finishing first in his division. Over the last five years, Lauer has competed in numerous multi-sport events, including 6 full marathons (26.2miles), two sprint triathlons, five half Ironman distance triathlons (70.3miles) and one ultra distance triathlon (140.6miles). For any athlete this is a substantial accomplishment, but Shane Lauer is not just any athlete. Lauer, a student athlete at Dulaney High School, suffers from Duchenes muscular dystrophy. To our knowledge no athlete living with Duchenes muscular dystrophy has ever attempted that distance. Lauer will compete with the assistance of a team of athlete volunteers from the non-profit organization Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) that includes Chip Connor, David Slomkowski and Ben Mortenson. Connor, from Glen Arm, MD is director of Melalueca Wellness Company and will tow Shane in a custom designed harness and raft during the swimming leg of the race. Slomkowski, of Timonium, the Founder and Executive Director of ASA will bike with Shane in a specialized bicycle and Mortenson, also Shanes legal guardian, and a director of ASAs WingMan Program, will push Shane across the finish line in a custom built eagle racing chair. Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative disease that affects the muscles. "Its terminal," said Mortenson. He and his wife, Carissa, are Shane's legal guardians. "Every muscle slowly deteriorates and life expectancy is to the mid-20s." However, the Mortensons believe that every kid should be given the chance to live life to the fullest. A few years ago they found kindred hearts in the volunteer athletes that make up Athletes Serving Athletes, a non-profit organization that provides racing opportunities for competitive athletes with little to no mobility. "Shane is a really competitive kid," said Mortenson. Several years ago he and Shane competed in a four-mile race. "With two miles to go, Shane kept saying 'Ben, you need to pick up the speed and pass these people ...I can't move my body, but I can move my mouth!'" Also raising awareness and funds for Athletes Serving Athletes will be TEAM ASA members Gen McQuad, Ross Stern, Margaret Seymour, Suzanne Cerra, Alex McIntosh, and Wendy Tobias .

About Athletes Serving Athletes Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) is a non-profit organization located in Maryland that brings people together to experience the joy, excitement, and thrill of competition. ASA offers innovative athletic training, supportive mentor relationships, and high quality endurance events for athletes living with disabilities. ASA uses athletic activity as a catalyst for personal development---improving physical fitness, increasing self-esteem and empowering challenged youth to meet their highest potential. We inspire all people to give of themselves and live more active lifestyles, pursuing a high quality of life and achievement. ASA offers these programs and services free of charge to the athletes they serve, their families and organizations that support them. To support or to learn more about ASA please visit www.AthletesServingAthletes.org

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