BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Lima Foxtrot, Lakeshore Foundation's program for severely injured military, will host Operation Rise & Conquer, a weekend of outdoor recreation and sports September 25-26, 2009 for servicemen and women who recently served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.

Operation Rise and Conquer is a fully accessible outdoor experience that is designed to help severely injured servicemen and women learn how to adapt recreation activities so they may once again enjoy those activities with family and friends. Activities range from water skiing and kayaking to bass fishing and target shooting. The event will take place at Lake Martin near Jackson Gap, Ala.

On Thursday, September 24th, 30 injured military and their guests from all over the country will arrive in Birmingham, welcomed by a parade at 6 p.m. on 18th Street in Homewood ending at Lakeshore Foundation. At 6:30 p.m., Lakeshore Foundation will host A HERO'S WELCOME, a community gathering to meet and honor our injured U.S. servicemen and women and their families as they prepare to participate in Operation Rise and Conquer. The event at the Lakeshore Foundation will include cocktails and dinner and will also honor all active duty military and veterans in attendance.

Staff and participants will travel to Lake Martin on Friday, September 25th for the weekend's activities. Participants will begin afternoon activities including water skiing/tubing, canoeing/kayaking, cycling, target shooting, archery/paintball, and basketball.

Operation Rise & Conquer will continue on Saturday, September 26th with a full day including additional activities like scuba diving, tennis, bass fishing, land navigation courses, and a ropes course. Participants will return home Sunday morning.

"Participating in Operation Rise & Conquer gives servicemen and women a wonderful opportunity to develop new recreational skills as well as to try adapted methods of sports that they enjoyed before their injuries," said Beth Curry, Lakeshore Foundation's Chief Program Officer. "The social interaction with other participants can be valuable in building self-confidence and gaining a level of comfort with facing new challenges."

Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities through fitness, recreation, and athletics. These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills. For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org.