More Than 100 Participated In Oct. 12 Walk ‘N’ Roll
The inaugural Walk “N” Roll for disability awareness had a great turn out, exceeding the initial participation goal of event organizer Clay Pirtle with pre-registration alone.
Pirtle said he’d hoped to have 100 participate; 110 had registered online before the event started and several more registered Saturday morning, Oct. 12, at the event on Celebration Plaza.
And, there was much celebrating going on, as the Blue Blazes lead more than a dozen teams on the walk around the downtown square as community members and other participants clapped and cheered. Teams included Kandy’s Shenanigans, Children’s Center Early Childhood Intervention, Down Right Perfect, Little Home Runners, Tree House Tribe, Eisley’s Crew, Only Ups for Jemma, Lakes Regional Community Center, Team Morgan, Autumn’s Rangers, Grape Expectations, Ryleigh and Her Designer Genes, Might Running Crew and My Bowl and The Texas Trotters.
As each team began their lap around the path, the reason they were involved and formed a team, who they honored or the group they represented were described. After all teams had made their lap, all participants were asked to take to the path one more time, with community members joining them to Walk for All, to show their support for those involved and all with disabilities.
Kids enjoyed face-painting and bounce houses, music was provided and the Blue Blazes served in many capacities to keep spirits high, while raising awareness for individuals with disabilities. A dunking booth offered those present the opportunity for $1 a chance or $20 to push the target to dunk the volunteers who braved the cool autumnal temperatures earlier in the day to allow themselves to be dropped into the tank of cold water anytime someone hit the target. Among those who volunteered were Lonnie Fox, Allison Miesse, Korey Hankins, Jameison Hawkins and Kelsie Adams.
All proceeds from the Walk N Roll will go toward the future CARE (Community, Ability, Recreation, Energy) Center and a local charity. C.A.R.E. Center, which once built, will offer recreation, game nights, and a safe and caring center for special needs persons of all types, and all ages. In addition to that, it will be a place offering assistance for families seeking help with insurance or respite care or various types of therapy, and to provide a network for these services and more.”
Special inspirational speakers were Jessica Pope and Diogo Fsaki, who each noted their disability, which they do not let define them.
The Grape Expectations team handed out flyers noting their involvement in Sulphur Springs Main Street Uncorked, with funds collected from the event, scheduled from 1 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 downtown, to benefit the CARE Center.
