Event Supports Need for Accessible Fitness

Center for Independent Living of Central PA Hosts Event to Raise Dollars for Accessible Fitness Resources

(Camp Hill, Pa.)—If you had a disability, would you workout at the same gym you attend now? If you used awheelchair, would you be able to use the same equipment you use now? The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) recognizes that a “typical” gym is not always accessible. So, once again CILCP is finding ways to provide options for people with disabilities – even for physical fitness. In order to help fund more accessible fitness resources for people with disabilities, CILCP is hosting their 2nd Annual Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well. People of any age, with any type of disability or ability, are invited to come to the event on Saturday, July 24th at City Island.

Participants will walk, roll, or jog three laps around City Island in Harrisburg, rain or shine. Following the Walk ‘N Roll at 10 a.m., attendees will be able to visit exhibitors’ tables, and enjoy food, music and other entertainment.

CILCP recognizes that adding exercise to daily life is just as vital for people with disabilities as it is for people without disabilities; therefore, by taking part in the Walk ‘N Roll, participants will help CILCP provide more opportunities for people to live healthier lifestyles. CILCP is the only organization in the area that offers cutting-edge, fully adaptable and accessible fitness equipment. By providing specialized equipment like the Magnum ADA Advantage Trainer and MOTOmed, individuals can secure their arms and legs, and let the machines provide smooth, steady movement. The equipment allows people who have no or limited feeling in their limbs to use it.

By incorporating exercise into their daily lives, people with disabilities can help eliminate many problems that are often encountered. The various equipment and fitness programs help strengthen weakened muscles, improve circulation, reduce spasticity, lessen swelling in lower limbs, and decrease the chance for potential infections from cuts. Whether it’s providing the specialized equipment, one-on-one training, or a fitness program, CILCP seeks to provide endless options and accessibility for all.

All proceeds go towards expanding accessible fitness resources – so everyone can workout and improve their health! The event, sponsored by PinnacleHealth, CBS21, and CW15, will also highlight the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is the law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Everyone is encouraged to participate by forming teams or joining individually. Participants who register by July 2, 2010, will receive a free Walk ‘N Roll t-shirt and a discounted registration fee of $20.00. After July 2, 2010, the registration fee is $25.00, and participants are not guaranteed a t-shirt. Children age 5 or younger may participate for free, but will not receive a t-shirt.

“The Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well was such a success last year, and it brought people of all ages and disabilities together to participate. We are excited to do it again this year to benefit accessible fitness, as living a healthy lifestyle is so important for anybody. It’s also the perfect time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of such a vital law in the independence movement for people with disabilities,” states Theotis W. Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP.

Tanya Foster, evening news anchor from CBS21, and Central PA’s Living Well With A Disability spokesperson, will serve as host for the event. Additional speakers will also be on hand, including Mayor Linda Thompson. Mayor Thompson will make a proclamation in support of the ADA and in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

For more information or to register, visit www.CILCP.org or call 717-731-1900 / 717-737-1335 (TTY). Participants may also register on the day of the event at the Carousel Pavilion. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the Walk ‘N Roll starts at 10:00 a.m. All City Island facilities and the route are accessible.  A sign language interpreter/CART service will be on site.

About CILCP

The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent lifestyles.  The organization assists individuals with any type of disability to find resources available to meet their needs, wishes and aspirations through Living Well With A Disability. To learn more about the CILCP visit their Web site at www.cilcp.org, and to learn more about Living Well With A Disability, visit www.livingwellwithadisability.org.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz by email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com or by phone (717) 432-2468.