Urban Adventure Challenge returns with fresh, daring route

  • By Angela Workman
  • March 11, 2013
  • 310
                        
Summary: The Wooster Urban Adventure Challenge will take place on Saturday, July 20. The event will be loaded with its trademark physical, mental and teamwork activities. Of course, the organizers add fresh, daring adventures each year. The Viola Startzman Free Clinic is the beneficiary of this year’s funds. Every year, the Wooster Urban Adventure Challenge serves up a heavy dosage of adrenaline. Between running, biking, paddling, climbing and other mental and physical activities, participants are sure to experience the kind of excitement they crave from the annual event. The Urban Adventure Challenge is sure to deliver its typical punishment, but as always, there will be a few additions and changes to keep the challenges fresh. “This year’s adventure will be more adrenaline packed because challenges will not be as obvious,” said Patrice Smith, president of the Wooster Adventure Charities Organization (WACO). “We encourage everyone to increase their physical training in anticipation of the event. That said, the event is as much about mental toughness, problem solving, teamwork, camaraderie and having a great time as anything physical,” The event will take place on Saturday, July 20. It is limited to the first 80 teams of two or three that register. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Teams can sign up online at http://woosterurbanadventure.org. The purpose of WACO is to raise funds to assist individuals who have physical and mental needs. These may include those who are disabled, physically injured, suffer from physical or mental illness or are in need of basic necessities. They also support charities that educate and promote awareness of physical, mental and social challenges individuals may face within a community. The funds will go to the Viola Startzman Free Clinic. The clinic was also the beneficiary in 2011. Smith explained that they like to keep the money raised by sponsors and registrations local. The money will help serve over 2,000 patients with comprehensive medical and dental care, prescriptions, laboratory testing, specialty referrals, medical equipment and mental health counseling. Last year, the event raised $30,000. “While the financial benefit to the clinic is extremely vital, this event also serves to increase community awareness about the Viola Startzman Free Clinic. As a result of the race publicity in 2011, we obtained several new clinic volunteers, as well as many new patients who had not been aware of the services we provided. Together, we are able to increase the overall health of the residents of Wayne County; getting patients back to work or able to serve as productive members of our community. Ultimately, your partnership with the Viola Startzman Free Clinic can help us save the lives of our neighbors and friends,” said Jaime Parsons, executive director of the Viola Startzman Free Clinic. Smith added that checkpoints will be different this year for contestants, which contributes to its popularity. Further, the event’s purpose is to show off Wooster and all of it has to offer. The parks, businesses and industries give participants a raw, in-depth view of the community. The bulk of the event is unknown and unpredictable until the day of the race, which only pumps more adrenaline through the veins of the contestants. “It’s really cool to have over 40 volunteers and hundreds of community members cheering you on as you navigate through the city. The best part is your sense of accomplishment of completing the entire challenge and medal that’s proof you’re a superhero,” Smith concluded. For more information or to find out how to be involved as a sponsor or volunteer, contact Patrice Smith at psmith@wooster.edu.


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