Orientation offers a chance for team members to get acquainted, learn about people with disabilities and participate in skills assessments, training rides and safety training to prepare them for the life-changing events ahead.

Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the kick-off; however, it is important that any family or friends planning on coming to Seattle understand that orientation is very busy and team members have meetings and training taking up a large portion of their time. Most family and friends take this time to see some of the different sites in Seattle. In fact, many team members and their families arrive early to sight-see. To help family and friends get involved with the team’s journey across the United States from day one, Push America has planned the following activities that are open to all team members’ family and friends who wish to attend.

Best Western Executive Inn
To help you plan your trip, Push America has reserved a room block at the Best Western Executive Inn located on 200 Taylor Ave North in Seattle, WA 98109. The Best Western will be offering rooms at a rate beginning at $149 per night. If you wish to reserve a room at the group rate, please contact the Reservations Department at the Best Western via telephone at (800) 351-9444 by May 2, 2008 and ask for Push America’s group rate.

Journey of Hope Kick-Off Dinner
The Journey of Hope 2008 Trans America Kick-Off Dinner in Seattle will be hosted by Push America on Tuesday, June 10th at Buca Di Beppo from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Buca Di Beppo is located at 701 9th Ave North in Seattle, WA 98109.

Journey of Hope 2008 Kick-Off
The Journey of Hope 2008 Trans America team will depart for Skykomish and their first day of cycling on Wednesday, June 11th at 7:30 am. Following a Kick-Off breakfast at the Olympic Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle, the team will be departing the city and beginning their summer. If you are interested in joining us for breakfast, please arrive at 6:45 am to allow plenty of time to eat and take photos prior to the team's departure.

Registration
There will be a minimal cost for the kick-off events that will be $35. This will cover the cost of your meal for the kick-off dinner on June 10th and the breakfast on June 11th prior to the team's departure from Seattle.

To register with Push America for the kick-off event please click HERE.

If you have any questions about the kick-off events in Seattle, please contact Josh Sheffler at 704-504-2400 ext. 137 or by e-mail at jsheffler@pushamerica.org.