Who Pushes

Speed for Need Raises Awareness, Fosters Inclusion

SUBMITTED BY SPEED FOR NEED

The Cherokee County chapter of Speed for Need, a nonprofit that supplies customized racing wheelchairs and a team of trained “pushers,” allows people with special needs to participate in fitness events — experiences they would not be able to have on their own.

Who Can Be a Rider (Track Commander)?

Participation in a Speed for Need event, such as 5Ks, 10Ks or marathons, is available to all those unable to complete a race on their own, regardless of their special need. It could be a 96-year-old who lost his or her mobility or a 7-year-old who was born with a condition. Regardless of the reason, we want to make it happen for them.

Why Does Speed for Need Exist?

The mission of Speed for Need is to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need through participation in local fitness events, supported by the men of F3 Nation (Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — a free men’s workout-fellowship group — https://f3cherokee.com).

In July 2017, Will Farr, a father in North Carolina, along with the men from his local F3 group, raised funds to purchase a specially designed racing wheelchair, so he and his son, Owen, could run a 5K road race together. Everyone involved benefited from the experience and wanted to share their joy with as many others as possible. Today, those involved with Speed for Need have been privileged to run with nearly 300 Track Commanders in 83 races. They also have led or attended more than 30 community events. None of this would be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers that run, push and cheer on Track Commanders.