Gravity Races For Special Kids

Generally there are not many outdoor activities for kids with special needs but organizations like “Outdoors for All” helps about 2,000 people with physical or intellectual challenges explore dozens of outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, skiing and summer day camps for children.

This is unbelievable but it’s true. In US there are events going on for such people.

We all know about car race. You must have seen or heard of different formats of racing with sports cars but have you heard of gravity race? This is one of the formats of race that is held for specials kids. In this a special child is accompanied by a normal peer. 

It’s very interesting to watch races for the people who have special needs as it brings a lot of joy and happiness. Every child is a winner in such race. In Seattle the Rotary club organizes car races for special kids every year. 

This race takes place in July, august and September at different places (Issaquah, Sammamish and Snoqualmie). The person behind these races is Leo Finnegan who first started the soapbox gravity races to provide his physically challenged son, Tim, an opportunity to participate in a competitive environment.

The event allows participants to experience the thrill and fun of soapbox derby race. The race cars are 7' long and 29" wide and each car holds 2 children. The driver is an appropriately trained 11-13 year old volunteer; the co-driver is a special child. Participants must be less than 130 pound and 5”2 or under. 

This year it was 16^th challenge series race. The cars, propelled by gravity, race down a blocked-off street and come to a safe stop with the onboard brakes applied by the volunteer child. After the race every child is awarded a trophy and a certificate of participation which brings a lot of happiness and smile on their faces.

Ruchi Baid