Rapid Transit Wheelchair Race

LOGAN – If you’ve never competed in a wheelchair race, you can have your chance on Saturday, June 28th. The Rapid Transit Wheelchair Race will occur in Mt. Logan Middle School’s gym. Races will begin at 1 pm and registration will open at 12:45. There will be separate races for manual wheelchairs, power chairs, and assisted wheelchairs. Assisted consists of one rider and a person pushing the wheelchair. This race is open to people with or without disabilities but everyone will be required to race in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs will be available to use at the race for those who don’t have their own.  

“This is a chance to step into a different world and see how things maneuver,” said Rapid Transit Founder Dreena Barker. “What I wanted to do is show how wheelchairs can level the playing-field for everyone. Plus, who knows when you’re going to need one.” 

Barker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991 and has been in a wheelchair herself for the past eight years. She started Rapid Transit, a nonprofit organization, to conduct research and develop assistive devices to benefit the disabled. Barker said all their research will be posted on their website at <a href=”http://www.rapidtransitrace.org/html%20pages/research.html” target=”_blank”>rapidtransitrace.org</a>.

Cost for the race is $10. If you call Barker ahead of time and reserve your spot, the cost is $8 at the door. You can contact her at 435-752-6469. A group of four will knock the price down to $25 and children under 10 can race for free. Proceeds will benefit Rapid Transit’s research. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the MS Society.

Barker said there will be door prizes. Prizes are also available to winners of each race. Barker added that decorating your wheelchair is encouraged and there will be a prize for best decorated.

If you aren’t able to make it to the Rapid Transit Wheelchair Race, Barker said that they have a deal with Chili’s Grill and Bar. If you eat at any location in Utah on July 3rd and mention Rapid Transit, 15% of your purchase will go to Rapid Transit. 

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