Racers walked, ran and wheeled across the finish line, all coming together to give children with special needs in Guelph and Wellington County a bright future.
The fourth annual KidsAbility 1km fun run and walk was held June 6 and raised over $30,000.
The event is unique in that it is a completely accessible walk for anyone who wishes to participate. Everyone, including children and youth with special needs, are able to complete the course. Participants this year were delighted to be joined by John Mitchell, centre with the Toronto Maple Leafs ,as Erick Traplin played their way to the finish. Many adapted bikes and tricycles were on hand for participants to test drive and prizes, free barbecue and free bike modifications provided by engineers courtesy of the Tetra Society.
Most importantly, more children with special needs, such as this year’s Guelph-Wellington Ambassador Sydney Brown, will have access to the life-changing therapy and support services at KidsAbility.
“In the two years that Sydney has been with KidsAbility, we have seen her make great strides in her development”, said Jim and Charmaine Brown, Sydney’s parents. “Realizing her full potential now appears ensured instead of unattainable. When Sydney began receiving therapy [at KidsAbility] we were extremely impressed by our experiences.” This year’s top fundraisers family for the fun run, the Brown’s raised over $10,000 in pledges for Team Sydney.
Since its inception in 2007, the event has raised over $87,000 which has helped to provide therapy to over 850 children at KidsAbility in Guelph and Wellington County.
