Last year’s walk drew between 150 and 175 participants. Organizers hope for similar or more this year. (Keith Lacey photo)
The Osoyoos Autism Behavioural Centre (OABC) is holding its third annual Walk for Awareness on Saturday, April 18.
Organizer Kim Dragseth said between 150 and 175 people attended last year’s walk and she’s hoping for the same number or more this year.
The event follows a similar format to its previous two years with only minor tweaks.
Participants, often families affected by autism, meet in the gym at the Sonora Community Centre starting at 11 a.m.
There are games and activities for children and live music. For the adults, there are booths to tell about different services available in the community for families affected by autism.
The walk itself gets underway at noon.
In previous years participants had the option to walk three or five kilometres, but this year only the three-kilometre walk is planned.
“We’re simplifying things,” said Dragseth. “We found that the five km one was a little bit too long and there are a lot of children that can’t really do the full three km so we just made it a short three km walk.”
The walk takes place rain or shine and there will be hydration stations along the route served by local business and organization sponsors.
Taking part this year will be Herbie the Wonder Horse, a real horse used in therapy with children with autism or special needs.
Among the booths at the gym, there will be merchandise for sale including T-shirts and items from Bikers for Autism.
Dragseth said there will be an occupational therapist who will likely do an obstacle course for children and will be available to talk with parents.
McLean Construction is providing a lunch to participants.
Other businesses have donated door prizes.
Diane Knight, a certified fitness instructor, will get people doing warm-up exercises before the walk.
Pledge sheets are available, but you don’t need to pledge to walk.
“We would just love to see the numbers grow and information being shared among families,” said Dragseth.
Autism is a neural development disorder that can impair social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication.
It takes several forms and is normally identified in children before age three.
For more information about Walk for Awareness or the Osoyoos Autism Behavioural Centre, Kim Dragseth can be contacted at 250-495-2289 or [email protected].
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
