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Thousands of supporters flocked to Central Park on Saturday morning, June 3, making this year’s Central Park Challenge a tremendous success.
"YAI has helped me become more independent and provided me with the job skill training I needed," said Nicholas Lacentra, a YAI Long Island Self Advocate. "They have treated me right and have always been welcoming, so I love coming to Central Park Challenge."
Supporters from across YAI and its affiliates came out in full force, cheering their peers on and enjoying the beautiful day filled with laughter, entertainment, and advocacy. Longtime supporter Bill Ritter, anchor of WABC-TV's Eyewitness News, hosted the festivities and called on the crowd to level the playing field for people with disabilities.
The area near the Naumburg Bandshell was lined with booths led by regional teams and showcased adaptive technology that enhances the lives of many people YAI supports and gives them greater independence.
This year, several aspects of the event were spearheaded by the people YAI supports. Eventgoers had a chance to learn about adaptive fashion and could take part in an adapted yoga class hosted by Paula Chang, a physical therapist at iHOPE. To add to the inclusive theme, YAI artists led a communal art project that brought neurodivergent people and their neurotypical peers together.
Moreover, both iHOPE and MSA helped revamp the junior races this year to be more accessible, allowing teams of kids with disabilities and those without to work together to win the relay race. Wider lanes allowed wheelchair and walker users to participate and high contrast colors were used to make the pathways and guide those with visual impairments.
Blue Man Group took center stage with a crowd-pleasing performance and also kicked off the 3K Walk. Other entertainment included bubbles, inclusive magic, and more. Musical performances included DJ Nick Colletto, The Speakers, and YAI self advocate DJ Allan Fraser.
“Thank you to the people we support for keeping us on our toes, for demanding greatness out of all of us, and thank you for reminding us of what humanity is on a daily basis,” said Ken Reedy, Hudson Valley Regional Support Supervisor. “An expression of gratitude to our DSPs [direct support professionals] who have led us through the darkness during the pandemic and showed the world what courage and dedication are...you all are, and continue to be, heroes.”
As of today, Central Park Challenge has raised $491,205.96.