Andre Barbieri hopes to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janiero. (Photos by Randy Weiss)
CentralCoastDining.com and local restaurant Arlington Tavern are teaming up in January to support Loma Linda University’s PossAbilities, the organization that is helping local athlete Andre Barbieri continue competition despite the loss of his left leg in a snowboarding accident in 2011.
PossAbilities means something special to Arlington Tavern?s owner/ manager Diego Barbieri. PossAbilities at Loma Linda University Medical Center (along with many local businesses and community members) played a key role in helping Diego?s brother, fellow Santa Barbara resident, Andre Barbieri, on his road to recovery following his debilitating accident in March 2011.
To support Andre and PossAbilities, CentralCoastDining.com is offering $80 to spend on dinner for two at Arlington Tavern for $40, and 10% of the proceeds go to benefitting Team PossAbilities and the athletic aspirations of Andre Barbieri.
Learn more about this special offer HERE
Or, learn about other local restaurants featured by Central Coast Dining on their blog?HERE
Andre has not only begun to overcome his loss, but in many ways has grown stronger and more resilient to life?s challenges.
PossAbilities’ goal is to offer disabled individuals who were born with or have suffered a permanent physical injury a sense of community and provide activities and practical help to give them the opportunity of becoming valuable members of society. With the help of PossAbilities Andre has gained access to prosthetic technology and racing equipment that has enabled him to become a shining example of courage and sheer athleticism.
It was with Andre?s own perseverance and the assistance of PossAbilities that he has been able to pursue new endeavors and maintain those he has always loved doing including, walking, cycling, surfing and swimming. Where healthcare and insurance fell short, it was PossAbilities who stepped in to provide Andre with direct access to funding for equipment such as a racing bike, a running prosthetic, a cycling prosthetic, wetsuit and resources for training and competition expenses.
Andre’s inspirational story led to his being named Presidio Sports’ Santa Barbara Sports Figure of the Month in December of 2011.
Andre?s life long passion for surfing is alive and well as he still paddles out at Rincon to catch a few waves despite the challenge of balancing with one leg. Andre?s sessions are about to get a little boost with the help of PossAbilities and a Texas based company called Limbs International. Both organizations are working to provide Andre with his own surf prostheses. Stoked.
All this support and a lot of hard work from Andre have led to a pretty busy and successful athletic schedule. Andre is not only competing but he?s blowing people away with his athletic ability. In August of 2012 Andre was swimming in SB’s Reef and Run competition at East Beach, in which he placed 2nd in the 1K swim. Recently, Andre pulled all three talents together to compete in October?s San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Andre was the fifth person in his category out of the water! Andre?s currently training for The Tour of Palm Springs on Feb 9 and a half marathon on Catalina Island in March.
Andre?s renewed energy for life and an appreciation for his body have led him to realize his goal of competing in the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. For the first time in history, Triathlon is going to be an event in the Paralympics and Andre can think of nothing more rewarding than competing on his home soil in Rio de Janeiro while representing Brazil for a medal.
PossAbilities is going to support athletes like Andre in their effort to train and compete for a place on the National and 2016 U.S. Paralympic Teams.
The people at Arlington Tavern appreciate what this organization has done for a member of their own family and hope to raise awareness and support for PossAbilites and it?s goal to recognize the inherent greatness in all people with physical challenges and support their educational and athletic endeavors by providing unparalleled sports and educational opportunities that lead to success in life.
