PRESS RELEASE

FOR  RELEASE
October 15, 2018

Contact: Deborah Chambers
Senior Director of Strategic
Partnerships and Community Outreach

Cell: 202-534-9965
dchambers@missiondc.org

Five-Time Paralympian to Encourage 
Mission Guests on “Curtis Lovejoy Day”  

Washington, DC— October 15, 2018—On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, five-time Paralympian and author Curtis Lovejoy will meet with Mission guests and rehab program participants to encourage them through the challenges of new opportunities and facing the fear of failure. Lovejoy will also accept proclamations from the state of Maryland and Prince George’s County declaring October 17 as “Curtis Lovejoy Day,” an honor to be presented by Rev. Deborah J. Chambers, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement of Central Union Mission.

Hosted by REB Entertainment and Central Union Mission, the event will take place at 11:00 am at the Central Union Mission facility located at 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. The proclamations will honor Lovejoy for his exemplary service in his community and his growing global presence as a model athlete. Central Union Mission is honored to share this occasion and Mr. Lovejoy’s experiences with the community.

According to Mission Executive Director Joe Mettimano, “Mr. Lovejoy’s words could not come at a better time. The men we serve are working hard at overcoming a multitude of challenges, including addictions, behavior changes, physical difficulties, and other barriers.  It can be overwhelming.  His talk with them will surely be inspirational.”

Curtis Lovejoy has become the most decorated male athlete in US Paralympics history. He is an accomplished competitive swimmer and fencer and represented his country at Paralympic events around the globe. Curtis Lovejoy was first introduced to the water as a form of physical therapy following a life-altering car accident in 1986 that left him as an incomplete quadriplegic. Since then, he has won over 500 gold medals in swimming and more than 200 in fencing and has set 13 world records. Curtis Lovejoy has been recognized by national media, publications and television networks including TV One, NBC, CBS, Atlanta Journal Constitution and Atlanta Magazine. His mission is to inspire people from all walks of life to face their fears, as well as to build awareness and education, rehabilitation, fitness, and career opportunities for those faced with spinal injury challenges.

A trailblazer in his own right, Curtis Lovejoy is more than deserving of his own special day: October 17th, declared as the official “Curtis Lovejoy Day.” He will soon be announcing additional book signing locations for his first book Just A Little Love and Joy. He is currently accepting speaking opportunities. For all media inquiries and ambassador requests, please contact PRTeam@epimediagroup.com.

Media are invited to this forum and health fair. Please contact Deborah Chambers at 202-534-9965 cell or dchambers@missiondc.org for ceremony information. For all media inquiries and ambassador requests, please contact PRTeam@epimediagroup.com.

About Central Union Mission:

Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with its homeless shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20001. In addition to its emergency shelter, the Mission operates the Spiritual Transformation Program; Ready2Succeed, a rehabilitative and job training program for men, a food and clothing distribution center, a retreat and recreation center with a camp for underprivileged children and a ministry to families and senior citizens.

GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a 2018 Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a 2018 Top-Rated award.

# # #