Keep the Wheels Spinning!

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The ability to walk is an overlooked luxury. Some people even see it as a chore. They would rather sit around and catch their breath than use that extra effort to move. Imagine those who have a mobility-related disability. How heartbreaking it must be for those around them to move about as they please, while they are bound to a chair or dependent on someone else as their means of transportation. Now imagine being a child who suffers from a mobility-related disability. While those around them play tag on the playground or play jump rope on the blacktop, they are bound to a chair with no other option but to watch. One of the primary goals of the Dake Foundation for Children is to bring awareness of various disabilities to the local community. On Saturday November 5 the foundation will host its ninth annual Stationary Bike Race. Up to thirty teams, four members per team are expected to participate. The event will be held relay style with a ten-minute ride minimum. Teams will ride on stationary bikes for a total of one hour. Whoever rides the most miles at the end of that hour wins. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of adaptive tricycles and other equipment for local children with disabilities. At first glance some might question a stationary bike ride as a foreign concept. However one of the goals of this particular event is give children with mobility-related disabilities the opportunity to be active. The average cost for an adapter bike can cost anywhere from $500-$4,000. Since the bike is not considered medical equipment, it is not often covered under medical insurance. Susan Koppi, president of the foundation believes that, “one of the most rewarding aspects from participating in this great event is that people get a visual of watching the event come full circle. Everyone can participate. While people ride an ordinary bike, others will be able to ride their adapter bikes on the YMCA track. It helps bridge the gap between those children who can freely move, and those whose mobility is restricted. People can see first-hand where their money is going as the event is taking place. The smiles on these kid’s faces are indescribable.” This event not only gives kids the opportunity to be active but to raise money for those who long to enjoy simply moving, even if it’s for a short period of time. The foundation also has some help from a few corporate sponsors who will be contributing various prizes to the cause. Recalls Koppi, “aside from the financial side of this event, what is more important is seeing the look on these children’s faces. They get the opportunity to directly see where their money is going. It’s going towards giving more children the chance to be active amongst their fellow bike riders.” The event will be held at the Saratoga YMCA, located at 290 West Ave in Saratoga Springs. Anyone who is interested in more information on the event or the Dake Foundation for Children is encouraged to visit www.dakefoundation.org or contact Susan Koppi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..