Pinellas Park – On Tuesday morning, roughly one hundred cyclists gathered for the annual “Alive Ride,” a community‑wide event that celebrates Marine veteran Mike Delancey’s survival of a sniper attack in Iraq twenty years ago. The ride, which covered an 11‑mile loop through the city, was escorted by local police and highlighted the city’s strong support for veterans and adaptive recreation.
From battlefield injury to community inspiration
Delancey was wounded on Sept. 1, 2006, when a sniper’s bullet left him paralyzed from the waist down. Rather than view the injury as a defeat, he calls the date his “alive day” – a rebirth that has driven him to pursue a life of service and activity. “Since my injury, I’ve done way more than I would have ever dreamt,” Delancey said. “So, in a way, this wheelchair that I’m in has sort of been a blessing.”
Ride route showcases Pinellas Park’s commitment to veterans
The ride began and ended at the OCC Roadhouse, a local gathering spot, before stopping at several key community landmarks: Pinellas Park Elementary School, City Hall, and the Pinellas Park Fire Station. Each stop underscored the partnership between veterans, first‑responders, and city officials. “On top of getting veterans out and active in their community, you know, it shows them with the police, the fire, the public works, the city officials all here supporting us,” Delancey explained. “There’s a strong pro‑veteran community out there, so don’t be afraid to get out and just go do something.”
Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch: a lasting legacy
In 2015, Delancey and his parents founded the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch on ten acres of city‑donated land in Pinellas Park. The fully wheelchair‑adapted facility offers cycling trails, outdoor fitness stations, and a multipurpose court designed for wheelchair basketball, rugby and other adaptive sports. The ranch not only hosts the annual Alive Ride but also provides monthly adaptive‑sports clinics for wounded service members throughout the region.
Community impact and future plans
The event drew participants of all ages and abilities, reinforcing the city’s dedication to inclusive recreation. Local businesses and volunteers helped staff water stations and provide refreshments, while city officials praised the partnership as a model for veteran outreach. Looking ahead, the ranch plans to expand its trail network and add a new adaptive‑kayak program, further broadening opportunities for wounded veterans to engage in outdoor activities.
How to get involved
Residents interested in supporting the Alive Ride or the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch can volunteer at future rides, donate equipment, or sign up for the ranch’s monthly clinics. Information is available on the ranch’s website and through the Pinellas Park city portal.
The Alive Ride stands as a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the power of faith‑filled perseverance—a story that resonates deeply with Pinellas Park’s families and veterans alike.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
