ABILITY EXPERIENCE Challenges have drawn participants in previous years to highprofile running races across the country with the opportunities to complete a host of events from short distance fun-runs to marathons alongside an enabled athlete, and to raise funds for The Ability Experience’s programs. Many races, however, have been either cancelled or shifted to a virtual program in 2020, providing socially distant opportunities for athletes to compete with others and challenge themselves. Likewise, Challenges have shifted to a new format, allowing more people than ever before to run, walk and roll to raise funds on behalf of The Ability Experience.
On September 26 and 27, 2020, The Ability Experience hosted its first virtual 5k to outstanding success. More than 230 people from around the world, including participants in Germany, completed the challenge, raising over $17,000 for The Ability Experience for its inaugural race weekend. “We were so excited and appreciative of the incredible turnout and support from the Virtual 5k,” said Andrew Matznick. “COVID-19 has
impacted everyone in different ways, so it was fantastic for everyone to come together and show support for our friends with disabilities by participating and/or donating!” The Ability Experience is continuing its race series on December 4-6 in honor of Founders’ Day (December 10, 2020) with its Founders’ Day 5k. Participants can honor Pi Kappa Phi’s 116th anniversary by registering before December 5 and challenging themselves in honor of our uncommon brotherhood more than a century in the making, and can even choose to add an additional mile in honor of the Pi Kappa Phi’s fourth honorary founder, Durward W. Owen. More virtual, and in-person, race opportunities will be available through 2021 as The Ability Experience continues to provide opportunities to challenge themselves and raise money and awareness for future programming. You can check out www. TeamAbEx.org for more information on future events and the eventual return of in-person Ability Experience Challenges throughout the year to accept the challenge yourself. “We are excited for the opportunity to participate in a few in-person races again beginning this spring,” Matznick continued. “Our friends with disabilities have been socially isolated for much of this pandemic and they are craving social interaction again. We are working closely with our partners and within safety guidelines to enable athletes of all abilities to race again. There will also continue to be virtual races to challenge oneself and support the programs of The Ability Experience. All races, both virtual and in-person, will be updated on www.TeamAbEx.org.”
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Words are inadequate in expressing my profound sadness at Connie’s passing. God decided he needed another angel and he certainly chose one of the best. – Leslie Paliyenko
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