This video story reported and produced by Lauren Siegal and Samantha Freitas. Anchoring by Courtney Patterson. Web edit by Alexandra Rodriguez.
The unemployment rate in Tampa is just 4.7%, and that number keeps getting lower thanks to Wheels of Success. Not having a personal vehicle makes it hard for some people to get and keep a job. The organization helps change that.
Although Tampa does provide public transportation via buses, they are not always convenient or accessible. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have transit agencies that provide transportation for nearly 28 million passengers each year.
Wheels of Success founder and CEO Susan Jacobs says, “It’s almost impossible from many places to get to a good job. Because either there is no bus that goes there, or it takes so long and doesn’t run during the hours you need to get there.”
This local nonprofit helps people such as Mariela Ayala get back on their feet and behind the wheel. Mariela says, “If I didn’t have a vehicle, I would not have accomplished anything that I have today.”
The way Wheels of Success works is by getting companies to sponsor them, then individuals can buy a car from the program and make monthly payments that are based on their income. They also must dedicate five service hours a month as a part of their plan.
For more information visit http://www.wheelsofsuccess.org
81-year old Ironman triathlete qualifies once again
The Ironman Triathlon has been going on for almost 44 years. For one special triathlete, the Ironman Triathlon has been a part of his life since 1979.
This triathlon consists of a two and a half mile swim, 26 mile run and more than 100 miles of biking.
Roger Little has qualified to participate in the Ironman World Championship at 81 years old, making him one of the oldest triathletes to qualify! He has been training and competing his whole life!
Little says, ““Ultimately it was the Ironman in Hawaii that was always driving me and a lot of other triathletes.”
Thousands of people apply to be able to participate but only 2,000 lucky athletes are chosen. To be eligible to qualify for the championship you must have completed at least three full distance Ironman events and the athlete who has the best finish in their age group gets awarded a slot.
If you want to follow in Roger’s footsteps here’s the signup page, https://www.ironman.com/races.
