HOLMDEL Complete will all-inclusive ramps, teeter-totters and balance beams, residents of all ages and physical disabilities participated in the HappyFest obstacle course.
Happyfest is a mainstream obstacle course designed for people of all fitness levels and ages. All of the obstacles on the field were handicapped accessible. Additionally, because the course was autism and down syndrome friendly every member of every family was able to enjoy and participate, according to a prepared statement from HappyFest.
On top of enjoying the obstacle course’s many features, more than 90 residents were able to enjoy games and music on June 17 at the Vonage Campus located at 23 main St.
The inclusive nature of the obstacles themselves made the course inclusive. Each obstacle had volunteer physical therapists from Old Bridge Spine and Wellness helping each of the participants stay safe and overcome the challenges of the obstacles and their individual challenges related to their disability, according to HappyFest Co-Founder Adam Stengel.
“Each obstacle is either inclusive or has an inclusive option. Among others, there were ramps, teeter-totters, and balance beams that had side-by-side inclusive options, a fully inclusive maze made of fencing, a rope climb, which had a weighted rope to pull down for those who couldn’t climb, a “car wash” and of course, our amazing finish line ‘wall of bubbles,'” Stengel said.
Games included soccer, football, and kickball. All sporting equipment was provided by one of the sponsors, Modell’s, according to Stengel.
Adam Stengel and Melissa Penn created HappyFest because they noticed that there was a lack of family physical fitness events that were affordable for the whole family and that were fun and challenging for every member of a family, regardless of age or ability, to do together. Adam and Melissa have four children, one of whom has spent time in wheelchairs due to complications from hemophilia. They were compelled to find activities that their entire family could do together, and when they couldn’t find something, they built their own, HappyFest, according to a prepared statement.
HappyFest is a public benefit corporation, which is in-between a non-profit and for-profit company. The charter requires the owners to donate profits to charitable causes and consider health, environmental, and other community issues when producing activities, according to Stengel.
“In our event everybody does it at the same time. Their are no ‘special waves’ for people with disabilities, like they have at other events. We hope to promote positive dialogue about inclusion as we feel that people with disabilities have been excluded for too long. We hope to inspire everyone, from our communities to our businesses, to consider inclusiveness and encourage full participation for everyone and that everyone participates together,” Stengel said.
Tony Stacey and his band as well as Ray Anderson provided music at HappyFest. Ronald C. Brooks sang the National Anthem and sound was provided and produced by Dan Skye Studio in Hightstown, according to Stengel.
“Vonage came in at the last minute and saved the day for us, because our original venue was suddenly unable to accommodate us. Vonage immediately understood the importance of inclusive physical fitness events and jumped to accommodate us. They were kind and generous hosts and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Thank you Vonage,” Stengel said.
HappyFest’s first event was May 2016. It took nearly 18 months to develop the concept, according Stengel.
“We hope to be back at Vonage in 2018. We believe with more time to plan the event at that location, we can make it bigger and better,” Stengel said.
For more information about HappyFest visit www.happyfestusa.com.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
