SAM CILA

Multisport Soldier was founded in 2010 with the mission to spread a powerful story and key points
of overcoming adversity. Through motivational speaking this powerful experience gives the
opportunity to the listener to form Leadership and Team Development Skills.
Multisport Soldier's targeted audience is, but not limited to corporations,
businesses, schools and student athletes.

Sam Cila joined the New York National Guard right after 9/11. His unit the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment
out of New York, deployed in October 2004. His year long tour was just about over when he was injured by an
IED blast on July 4, 2005. The patrol was just outside of the Green Zone in Baghdad when they spotted a suspicious object.
Sam was outside his vehicle with his Captain when the object exploded. Sam's life was saved by the quick responses of his medic and unit.

Since the injury Sam had received over 40 surgeries to help repair some of the damage. The blast blew out his
left side taking with it his brachial artery and almost all of his left bicep and tricep. Because of the amount of nerve loss
to his upper arm Sam's hand was now considered a secondary injury. He spent three years fighting a never ending battle.
He took every opportunity available to him to try and fight the inevitable. Amputation.

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A turning point in his life came when he was told about an organization called Operation Rebound.
This program is run by Challenged Athletes Foundation in hopes to give others with disabilities the opportunities
to heal through multi sports. By being sponsored by Operation Rebound Sam has been competing
in events including numerous sprints, Olympic and half distant Ironman triathlons.
Sam was also able to achieved one of his most challenging goals, competing in and completing
the 2010 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Then in February 2010, he was teamed up with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).
Their mission is to place highly skilled service dogs with people that have
permanent disabilities, giving them the opportunity for independence.

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With this Sam has been traveling throughout the country and world with Operation Rebound and CCI
engaging in numerous speaking and endurance events. With the help of his service dog Gillian, Sam's has been
focused on helping others heal through sports and have an active lifestyle.