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7 Everyday Hero
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July 12, 2009: Volunteer Uses Outdoor Activities to Beat Addiction

Scott Strode Started Phoenix Multisport To Help Others Find A New High

POSTED: 9:39 am MDT July 16, 2009
UPDATED: 1:51 pm MDT July 17, 2009

Beating alcohol and drug addiction isn't easy, but Colorado is full of paths to recovery: bike paths; hiking trails; and ski slopes. The idea behind the non-profit Phoenix Multisport is finding a new high.

"We work with folks in recovery from substance abuse. We get them out living an active lifestyle. So, we get them hiking, climbing, camping, doing triathlons, doing mountain biking, what ever it is," said Scott Strode, Phoenix Multisport Founder.

Every week Phoenix Multisport "team members" are offered nearly three dozen activities all free of charge.

"The idea is to build community. A sober community around them that supports them in their recovery," said Scott.

Scott quit drinking 12-years ago. He understands the alienation that often follows a decision to go sober.

"If you wake up in the morning and you feel alone and fearful in your recovery you can reach out to a group of 30, 40, 70 people who will support you in that decision," said Scott.

Jo Schwartz is a Phoenix Multisport Team Member turned employee. She said: "When I was in my disease I was very isolated. I stayed in my house. I hid my addiction from people. I didn't go out and do things."

One of Phoenix Multisport's partners is West Pines Recovery Center. Glenn Most is the director of the West Pines Behavioral Health Services. He adds: "If you're taking away an addiction you have a huge void and you need to replace it with something otherwise people are going to relapse."

Phoenix Multisport offers alternatives to help break that cycle of addiction. And that is thanks to 7Everyday Hero Scott Strode.

"He is a pretty amazing and giving person. He does all this just out of the goodness of his heart," said Dawn Taylor, with Phoenix Multisport.

"He doesn't draw any salary from this. He works easily every week 60-hours and a lot of times quite a bit more," said Ben Cort, Phoenix Multisport Director of Operations.

To learn more about Phoenix Multisport, click here.


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