Two disabled vets raising money for others by competing in Targa

They were severely wounded during their time in Afghanistan. That hasn't stopped the pair from inspiring others or giving back. In September these heroes will be going all out in one of Canada's most difficult events to raise money for disabled vets.

Master Corporal Jody Mitic and Corporal Andrew Knisley want to give back to others facing the grueling task of rehab by completing the rugged five-day, 2,000-kilometre Targa Newfoundland international car rally in September, Canada's longest and toughest motorsport event. Mitic and Knisley are raising money with the event for the Soldier On Fund, established to improve the quality of life for soldiers who are ill or injured with fitness and sports. Between the two they have just three arms and one leg to make the journey. Using their prosthetic lower limbs they will drive a Acura TL SH-AWD. Acura Dealers of Canada are sponsoring the pair with the use of the sedan for the week-long event in Newfoundland. Mitic, of Brampton, Ontario, and Knisley, a native of London, Ontario, have inspired those who are sponsoring their event. "Andrew and Jody are remarkable individuals on a very important mission - to raise funds for the injured soldiers who follow their path to recovery through sports, fitness and competition," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. in a press release "They are an inspiration, and it is an honour for all of us at Honda Canada and for our Acura dealers across the country to help make this possible. What they have achieved already is amazing, and what they plan to achieve in the name of their comrades is heroic." "When Jody and Andrew came to me with the idea of competing in Targa as a fund-raiser, it brought together so many of the ideals that underpin Soldier On - determination, discipline, stamina and new skills - combined with the challenge of an event that is extremely demanding even for able-bodied competitors," explains MacKenzie. "I believe we can raise significant funds to help the ill and injured soldiers served by the Soldier On program as well as showcase the kind of recovery that this program can make possible," said Major General (Ret'd) Lewis MacKenzie.