Help raise disability awareness by taking a spin around the MU quad – in a wheelchair – during this year’s Wheel-A-Thon from noon-6 p.m. May 11-13.
In its 22nd year, the annual event, hosted by the College of Public Health and Human Sciences’ Pre-Therapy and Allied Health Club (PTAH), is designed to raise awareness for accessibility and disability.
“We want to raise awareness because many people haven’t experienced disability, although they may experience living with it later in life,” says PTAH club member and Exercise and Sport Science student Haylee Winden, who is helping organize the event.
All proceeds directly support two college programs that benefit local community members living with a disability – the Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program and IMPACT (Individualized Movement and Physical Activity for Children Today).
“We have chosen to donate the money to IMPACT and the MS Clinic because they provide great services to community members and could use help updating old equipment and improving upon the program,” Haylee says. “Donations will be used to purchase new equipment for the pool and gym or for parking to make the Women’s Building more accessible for program participation.”
The Wheel-A-Thon is staged to allow participants to wheel their way through daily obstacles those in a wheelchair face daily – such as hanging up a coat on a coat rack, grabbing a cup from a cupboard, opening and heading through a doorway, and navigating through cones and up ramps.
Teams participate one at a time, attempting to complete as many laps as possible in the allotted time. Individuals can stop in day-of and pay $1 per lap to compete for the fastest lap time.
Trophies will be given to those with the most number of laps and the fastest lap time.
New this year, Corvallis and Oregon State community members can take their best shot at winning raffle tickets by shooting baskets while seated in a wheelchair.
Want to support the cause but aren’t up to the wheelchair challenge? Stop by the event and purchase a raffle ticket for gift cards to local businesses, including the Beaver Store, Block 15, Five Star Sports and more.
“Come out to support the event to give back to the Corvallis community and have fun and be challenged on the course,” Haylee says.
For more information, email windenh@onid.oregonstate.edu.