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Head of BAA apologizes for comments about athletes with disabilities

BOSTON — BOSTON – Crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2016 is something Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile said he will never forget, but it also opened his eyes to other problems.

After losing his right leg in the bombing, Fucarile has had to deal surgeries and therapy. But last year he was able to strap into a hand cycle and complete the race.

“These marathons, in Boston especially, scream that it’s the peoples’ marathon. Well, I can’t do push rim and I can't run it. So if you're the people, I hope I’m a person, and it means if I’m one hand cycle I can do it,” he said.

Fucarile was the first finisher in the hand cycle division, but said there was no recognition at the finish line, and has since heard derogatory comments from Boston Athletic Association leaders.

“They didn't want us there. They didn't want hand cycles there at all. That was the attitude,” Fucarile said.

BAA CEO Thomas Grilk made has offered an apology to the hand cyclists after they expressed their concerns.

"The dignity of every human being demands the respect of others, and in this case that is amplified by the challenges that the athletes and their families confront and address on a daily basis. To any person I have offended I extend my sincere apology," Grilk said in a statement. Scroll down for full statement.

Fucarile cycled the race last year with Team Achilles, a group dedicated to allowing wounded veterans to participate in events like the Boston Marathon.

He said he accepts the apology and hopes this leads to lasting change.

“I accept it. I hope all the other guys on the team do. I’m sure they will. I think he's more sincere about it this time,” Fucarile said.

Grilk is set to unveil changes to the hand cycle program Wednesday morning as a way of backing up is apology.

I have come to understand that I have caused certain athletes with disabilities and their families to feel disrespected. I am deeply sorry that any comments I have made in the past have been hurtful to anyone. I also take full responsibility for your statement that I have not been properly responsive to issues raised by the athletes and their representatives. I want to improve on that right now.

This is a situation that I regret and for which I apologize. Changes are underway.

The dignity of every human being demands the respect of others, and in this case that is amplified by the challenges that the athletes and their families confront and address on a daily basis. To any person I have offended I extend my sincere apology.

I am hopeful that we can work together going forward to address the important issues you have raised.

Tom Grilk, CEO, Boston Athletic Association