The BACC is here to make Belgian-American ventures successful. For entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are not only businessmen who write corporate success stories. Real entrepreneurs are people who make meaning, change the world and `right what is wrong`.
The soul of the BACC is all about entrepreneurship, about `Making Meaning`.
The BACC gives back to the community and has joined forces with the “Children’s Lightning Wheels” Wheelchair Sports Team.
Elke Van Hooydonk, a Belgian occupational therapist who moved to New Jersey a few years ago, and Trish Yurochko, are the key engines of the “Children’s Lightning Wheels” Wheelchair Sports Team. Since 1981, Lightning Wheels has achieved great successes both as a team at the Junior National Wheelchair (one of the best teams in the US) and on an individual level. In 2003, the Lightning Wheels embraced athletes whose disability does not require the use of a wheelchair. These athletes may use walkers, crutches, wear braces or have motor planning difficulties. Many of the past and present members of the team are national record holders in track and field and swimming. The team also has been represented at several international competitions including the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Paralympics.
Though not all children will set records or compete on a national or international level, they benefit from being part of a team and the friendship and self-esteem that it brings. Through sports, and participation in athletics, Lightning Wheels builds confidence in young people that will greatly contribute to their ability to meet life's challenges.
The BACC, together with Elke and Trish and the entire Lightning Wheels Team, use the ‘Power of Sports’ to give back to these unique children, all top talents and athletes in their field.
The BACC is committed to nurturing the spirit of Lightning Wheels in every way possible.
Next to dedicated strong corporate support, the Lightning Wheels Team is fully supported by 3 top entrepreneurs in heart and soul: Professor Carlotte Kiekens, Belgian wheelchair triathlete and Ironman Marc Herremans, and Baron Eddy Merckx.
Carlotte is a world-known specialist and prolific speaker in the field of revalidation and … and has written many papers on the topic. Carlotte, married to wheelchair athlete Bernard Hertz, is mother of 2 and is the driver behind many organisations supporting the development of life skills and personal enhancement for all physically challenged children (such as visual impairment, stroke, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, cancer, traumatic head injury and many others).
In 2002, while being elected the Belgian sports personality of the year, Marc participated in the Hawaii Ironman of Hawaii in 2002, only 10 months after his accident. In 2006, Marc achieved the impossible, being the first wheelchair athlete to arrive at the finish of the Ironman of Hawaii. In 2003, Marc started his "To Walk Again" foundation, supporting other disabled people, while building a sports centre for disabled people, and investing in bone marrow research.
Eddy Merckx Bicycles has donated a top racing bike that will be auctioned at the BACC Entrepreneurship Awards on 14 November 2009 at the W Hotel in New York City. All proceeds will go to the Lightning Wheels Children Sports Team.
For more information on Lightning Wheels, or on how you can Make Meaning as a supporter of the Lightning Wheels Team, please contact us on
or Trisha Yurochko 150 New Providence Rd, Mountainside, NJ 07092 (tel 908-301-5424).
All gifts, by check only, should be made payable to `Children’s Lightning Wheels` and sent to Trisha Yurochko, 150 New Providence Rd, Mountainside, NJ 07092
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