(Image Credit: CFJC News)
amazing race to inclusion

Amazing Race to Inclusion returns

Jun 16, 2023 | 4:43 PM

KAMLOOPS– The third annual Amazing Race to Incusion takes place this weekend. The event is set to start at the Sandman Centre, Saturday at 9 a.m.

During the event, teams of four compete in a race-style event downtown, completing challenges along the way, all while raising awareness around accessibility in the city.

Team members will take turns experiencing life as a person with disabilities, including impaired vision and mobility issues.

“It’s an opportunity for people in Kamloops to experience what it’s like to navigate and be part of the community when you live with disabilities,” Justine Richmond, an organizer of the event told CFJC News.

According to Richmond, a team of city councillors will be participating.

“A lot of times, the people who are making decisions about accessibility and inclusion within a community are people who are able-bodied and may not have a lived experience,” she said. “So by having this race, it gives people a taste, and it really highlights what the experience is.”

Though several of the teams are made up of service providers, the race is open to everyone.

Richmond hopes participants and community members will reevaluate their thinking after experiencing the event.

“Sometimes we just assume because somebody’s in a chair that they can’t do something, or because of whatever disability they may identify as having that they’re less able or less competent or part of what the community is,” Richmond explained.

There are still openings for two teams. Interested participants can sign up online before the event starts.