They raced, walked, ran, and wheeled for one reason: to give children with special needs in Guelph and Wellington County a bright future.
The fifth annual KidsAbility 1km Fun Run and Walk was held June 5 at the West End community centre and raised over $31,000. The family event is unique in that it is a completely accessible walk and is housed indoors. Everyone, including children and youth with special needs could complete the short, paved course.
Participants were joined by Greg Westlake, a 2006 Paralympic Games gold-medalist in men’s sledge hockey, and hear of his inspiring journey to the games.
More children and youth with special needs, such as this year’s Guelph-Wellington ambassador Lauren Davidson, will have access to the life-changing therapy and support services at KidsAbility.
When Davidson was born, her parents were unprepared for the News she had Down syndrome. Her family had limited knowledge of it and feared for what the future might hold. At seven months, Davidson came to KidsAbility for a variety of services.
The services KidsAbility provides help her develop that we can take for granted. Skills like holding properly in order to write, learning how to dress and feed herself … with manners, according to her family.
Therapists worked with Davidson’s entire family, it them special methods and ways to enhance Davidson’s skills and learning at home. Her family also credits the support that her brother received, which helped him to better understand his sister and why she did things a little differently.
Davidson is 11 and attends school in a regular classroom. She loves to sing and dance and one day, dreams of becoming a teacher and a famous singer like Hannah Montana.
“KidsAbility has helped me in many ways,” said Davidson. “When learning, I need more time and patience. I know lots of things, like how to be a friend, how to read, and how to help other people … I can learn to do everything that you can, it just takes me longer.
“KidsAbility is important for kids like me.”
Since its inception in 2007, the walk has raised over $119,000 and that has helped to provide therapy to over 850 children at KidsAbility in Guelph and Wellington County.
