Casey's Challenge inspires progress
On a chilly autumn morning, with a few rays of sunshine, progress took the form of a 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs. Held at the corner of North and Market streets in downtown Wooster, Casey’s Challenge returned for the second year on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Hosted by the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO), the event included both athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes. The inclusive theme humbled and impressed the ambulatory athletes and spectators.
“Our participation numbers have grown and awareness about our organization is increasing significantly. Each event we host, we gain more support from the community,” explained Lisa Followay, executive director of ASPO.
Followay announced at Casey’s Challenge that the money raised wasn’t for her son; rather, it went to help others with disabilities have the same opportunities. Casey was born with spina bifida 14 years ago, which inspired the development of ASPO.
“Inclusion is key to promoting the emotional, social and physical well-being for people with disabilities. By reducing barriers, like the expense needed to purchase equipment and providing opportunities, people with disabilities are more likely to be active and healthy, and live a long, fulfilling life,” Followay said.
Casey’s Challenge demanded attention with its size and popularity, thus increasing awareness and sensitivity to the cause. Followay wasn’t satisfied with watching her son sit on the sidelines, and her message is that no one else should be either.
“The look of satisfaction on the faces of the athletes with disabilities as they crossed the finish line was the best part for me. A close second was the acceptance the athletes with disabilities had from the athletes without. So many asked to take their picture with Casey and his teammates,” Followay continued.
Casey reported feeling excited about the race and also appreciating the event. His dedication as an athlete was evident as he sped off in his racing wheelchair when the horn sounded. Casey placed first in that division.
“I just think it’s amazing that I get to support kids with disabilities and help them improve their lives through sports,” Casey said.
While there isn’t an exact count of how much money was raised at this year’s event yet, Followay did explain that last year they had 136 participants and this year they had 209. Last year they raised $15,000.
“We had 25 children 10 and under participate in Casper’s Fun Run. I was very surprised and impressed with the turnout. It was very impressive to me that the adult runners brought their children along so that they could participate and learn to be active and healthy like their parents. I had so much fun hanging medals around their necks as they crossed the finish line. And, it was great for them to see our athletes with disabilities able to do it too,” Followay added.
Casper’s Fun Run was a successful addition to this year’s race. Casper ran alongside the children in their costumes, and as they finished, they decorated pumpkins.
“I want to thank our main sponsors, Invacare and Hanger, for investing in this event and partnering with ASPO to make this event possible. I also want to thank our volunteers and participants for taking the time out of their day to support Casey’s Challenge,” she continued.
For Barb Guth, a participant in the race, the event was very personal and enlightening.
“I have a friend that just started running and she wanted me to come here. I have tears in my eyes because my son had special needs and he died about 12 years ago from a stroke. It’s really touching my heart. I think it will be very humbling. I’m not a real good runner; I’m just kind of new at this so it makes me appreciate the fact that I have two legs that I can at least jog,” Guth said.
The top three places for the male junior racing wheelchairs included Casey Followay, Timmy Bailey and Christopher Marx. Alyssa Patterson was the first-place female junior wheelchair racer and Anne Hammel was the first-place female adult wheelchair racer. The first-place female junior handcyclist was Abby Gase and the two male adult handcyclists included Eric Rine and Peter Knab. The top overall places in the 5K included Jimmy Pooler, Gary Parsons, Tiffany Carson and Laurie Ryder. The top three places for the 10K included Andrew Bratcher, Rodney Hostetler and Taylor Matthew. For more results, visit http://www.ohiochallengeseries.com.
Hosted by the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO), the event included both athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes. The inclusive theme humbled and impressed the ambulatory athletes and spectators.
“Our participation numbers have grown and awareness about our organization is increasing significantly. Each event we host, we gain more support from the community,” explained Lisa Followay, executive director of ASPO.
Followay announced at Casey’s Challenge that the money raised wasn’t for her son; rather, it went to help others with disabilities have the same opportunities. Casey was born with spina bifida 14 years ago, which inspired the development of ASPO.
“Inclusion is key to promoting the emotional, social and physical well-being for people with disabilities. By reducing barriers, like the expense needed to purchase equipment and providing opportunities, people with disabilities are more likely to be active and healthy, and live a long, fulfilling life,” Followay said.
Casey’s Challenge demanded attention with its size and popularity, thus increasing awareness and sensitivity to the cause. Followay wasn’t satisfied with watching her son sit on the sidelines, and her message is that no one else should be either.
“The look of satisfaction on the faces of the athletes with disabilities as they crossed the finish line was the best part for me. A close second was the acceptance the athletes with disabilities had from the athletes without. So many asked to take their picture with Casey and his teammates,” Followay continued.
Casey reported feeling excited about the race and also appreciating the event. His dedication as an athlete was evident as he sped off in his racing wheelchair when the horn sounded. Casey placed first in that division.
“I just think it’s amazing that I get to support kids with disabilities and help them improve their lives through sports,” Casey said.
While there isn’t an exact count of how much money was raised at this year’s event yet, Followay did explain that last year they had 136 participants and this year they had 209. Last year they raised $15,000.
“We had 25 children 10 and under participate in Casper’s Fun Run. I was very surprised and impressed with the turnout. It was very impressive to me that the adult runners brought their children along so that they could participate and learn to be active and healthy like their parents. I had so much fun hanging medals around their necks as they crossed the finish line. And, it was great for them to see our athletes with disabilities able to do it too,” Followay added.
Casper’s Fun Run was a successful addition to this year’s race. Casper ran alongside the children in their costumes, and as they finished, they decorated pumpkins.
“I want to thank our main sponsors, Invacare and Hanger, for investing in this event and partnering with ASPO to make this event possible. I also want to thank our volunteers and participants for taking the time out of their day to support Casey’s Challenge,” she continued.
For Barb Guth, a participant in the race, the event was very personal and enlightening.
“I have a friend that just started running and she wanted me to come here. I have tears in my eyes because my son had special needs and he died about 12 years ago from a stroke. It’s really touching my heart. I think it will be very humbling. I’m not a real good runner; I’m just kind of new at this so it makes me appreciate the fact that I have two legs that I can at least jog,” Guth said.
The top three places for the male junior racing wheelchairs included Casey Followay, Timmy Bailey and Christopher Marx. Alyssa Patterson was the first-place female junior wheelchair racer and Anne Hammel was the first-place female adult wheelchair racer. The first-place female junior handcyclist was Abby Gase and the two male adult handcyclists included Eric Rine and Peter Knab. The top overall places in the 5K included Jimmy Pooler, Gary Parsons, Tiffany Carson and Laurie Ryder. The top three places for the 10K included Andrew Bratcher, Rodney Hostetler and Taylor Matthew. For more results, visit http://www.ohiochallengeseries.com.
Published: October 24, 2011
