Summary: Caseys Challenge 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs is the annual event held to raise funds and awareness for physically disables athletes. The event is open to both ambulatory and disabled athletes, and will be held on Oct. 22 on the corner of North and Market Streets in downtown Wooster.
Reshaping the way physical disabilities are viewed while supporting inclusion are just two missions of the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO). Lisa Followay, the nonprofit organizations executive director, began her journey into the world of adaptive sports when she realized her son, Casey Followay, wouldnt have the same opportunities as other children.
Caseys diagnosis of spina bifida 14 years ago, which caused paralysis in his legs, resulted in a flurry of worries and concerns regarding his future. And though she wasnt alone in her distress, her drive and motivationcoupled with her inability to accept what was available to her sonhave made a difference in the lives of many people living with physical disabilities.
Caseys Challenge is one more example of that fire. The 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs are designed for both disabled and able bodied athletes. The event will be held on Sat., Oct. 22, at the corner of North and Market Streets in downtown Wooster. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The categories include ambulatory, wheelchair racers, and handcyclists.
Caseys Challenge grew out of our desire to see other students with disabilities competing in school athletics. Casey was the first student in Ohio to be included on the school track team. We came up with this as a great way to show the possibility of athletes; showing a wheeled athlete in a footed athletes race. But also to raise funds so that we can purchase equipment for other students with disabilities, Followay explained.
She added that the race is a chance for athletes to support other athletes. Followay said an ambulatory athletes expenses are minor in comparison to a $3,000 racing wheelchair. But the athletes can appreciate the importance of these sports, making them more apt to participate in such an excellent cause. She also noted how inspired last years ambulatory racers were.
Additionally, Caspers 1 Mile Fun Run and Walk will allow the attendees 10 and under to dress up in costumes and run alongside Casper. The kids can also decorate pumpkins afterwards. The event is woven into the purpose of ASPOto get kids active at younger ages.
Studies show that people with disabilities are three times more likely to be inactive than able bodied peers. Statistics also show that people with disabilities are more likely to be drug and alcohol dependent, have higher depression rates and higher suicide rates. What they find with sports in general, is that sports increase overall health; emotional and physical health for people in general. They find that also to be true for people with disabilities, Followay continued.
Further, ASPO recently moved into an office space on 2829 Cleveland Rd., suite B in Wooster. The office phone number is 330-262-1200, and the office serves as more validation that progress is being made in the arena of physical disabilities.
There will also be medals and trophies distributed, along with the raffling of two Ohio State University football tickets, which accompany a hotel stay and dinner for two. Last year, ASPO raised $15,000 from the event, numbers they hope to repeat this year.
When kids with disabilities even contemplate trying to participate, that thought in their head is immediately I cant do it. And (the view) for most of society is, well they cant participate; they cant get up and run. So, what were trying to show them is empower them through sport. You know what, you can do this. If you can do this, you can do anything else. Were showing you it is possible. So, were trying to encourage them to live to their fullest potential.
Followay experienced firsthand what it was like to restructure her hopes and dreams for her son. The success of ASPO is certainly evidence that life goes on following a disability, and it can go on to establish a platform of opportunities for those who must overcome the same obstacles.
For registration information and entry fees, visit www.adaptivesportsohio.org.
