Lance Armstrong Accepts American Red Cross Invitation

To Visit With Families of Victims & Relief Crews at World Trade Center

The following was communicated in an Email from USA Cycling and recounts Lance Armstrong's visit to NYC on September 14 -15. The account was written by a member of Nike's PR Staff who accompanied Lance on the trip. Perhaps it was best said by a surprised member of New York City's Office of Emergency Management (OEM). After hugging the three-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, she said to her associate, "It's just like to him to show up here." And so he did. Having called Nike to ask if there was something -- anything -- he could do to help, Lance accepted an invitation of the American Red Cross to come to New York City to provide support, encouragement and gratitude to the families of the victims and relief workers at the World Trade Center Terrorist Disaster. There was one rule -- no press. In Lance's words, "that city has done so much for me, I'm happy to go - but this isn't about publicity, it's about helping those who need it." Nike PR couldn't have agreed more. Lance arrived into the city on Friday night and went immediately to the Family Assistance Center, where he met with volunteers of the American Red Cross and families looking for their loved ones. He then made his way over to the Command Center of the OEM, which resembled an active floor of a typical business convention with hundreds of people -- from the NYFD to the Coast Guard to the Steel Workers Union to the FBI -- running about in a state of organized confusion as they directed the rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts. Lance was asked to address the workers. Wearing a OEM Hat, his remarks were more than moving, bringing some to tears. He called them to the true heroes for our nation and repeatedly thanked them for their around-the-clock efforts on behalf of all Americans. He received a standing ovation and then stepped off the podium to a pose for countless pictures, sign autographs and pat many people on the back. Saturday morning began early with a stops at Firehouses from the Lower East Side to Mid-town to the Upper West Side. Visiting nine stations, Lance casually walked up to the houses unannounced. He listen to stories, shared in their grief and provided a true moment of diversion for these men and women. One firefighter, who is an avid cyclist, didn't recognize Lance at first. After letting out a loud expletive, he hugged him and then started to cry when he learned that Lance was standing before him for no other reason than to say "thank you" -- many Fireman could not believe that Lance had no other business being in NYC. At Bowery Station 33, Lance actually raced the guys on two of their rusted out Shin bikes (which had no breaks) -- it was truly a remarkable and heart-warming scene. All stations posed with Lance for a group shot, as he wore their helmet and/or station shirts. As our driver said, "when we pulled up, you could feel the pain through the look in their eyes. When we left, you could clearly see the smiles in their hearts." From there is was off to Ground Zero. A site that is impossible to describe. The stench and the heat are enough to make you cry. Yet the TV can not, in any way, detail how destructive this act has been. Add into the mix the gruesome and gut-wrenching stories of the body parts everywhere and you feel a sickening of the heart that we never expected. We just looked at each other and simply said, "I had no idea it was this bad," as hundreds of workers scurried all around us. And the clean-up will go until March. That afternoon Lance toured the Jacob Javits Convention Center that is now used at the operation center for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Again Lanced posed for pictures, knelt down to chat with resting rescuers and thanked many a volunteers ... without question, it was a dispute as to which Search and Rescue Team was more thrilled -- those from Texas or the guys from France. When word spread that he was in town President Clinton and Mayor Giuliani asked that he come meet with them. The Mayor greeted Lance with a prolonged embrace and then shut the door as the three discussed the present tragedy and the uncertain future. Following their meeting, Lance toured the sight via helicopter with Giuliani and Clinton. After that it was back to more fire stations. As I left Manhattan at nearly 11:00 PM the news radio had "reports that American Hero Lance Armstrong had flew in and out of town just to say thank you." I have had the pleasure to work with many athletes on countless occasions. None have inspired me more than Lance in these two days. He admitted he was scared to come here for many reason -- in fact, his wife was terrified, but he did it anyway. He truly moved the people he touched and let others that heard of visit know people like him still care enough to do what they can, even if it's a simple expression of gratitude. Maxim 8 - Do The Right Thing ... well, Lance certainly did. We still need to do more, Dave PS - Much credit for his effective visit goes to Cate Crumpacker, who was our key liaison. And special thanks to Megan Judge of Niketown, as usual she was a huge help.

  �