04-25-07

Media Release

Wheelchair Obstacle Course Fundraiser Set for May

CORVALLIS, Ore. – A wheelchair obstacle course event is scheduled for May 9 and 10 to raise money for two worthy causes at Oregon State University. The event, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. both days, is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Wheel-A-Thon consists of an obstacle course made up of miscellaneous hurdles. Teams of six to 10 people take turns looping around the course as many times as possible in 20 minutes.

Wheel-a-Thon is an annual fundraising event organized by students in the Pre-Therapy and Allied Health Club in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The goal is to raise awareness about issues facing people with disabilities and to raise money for the OSU Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program and the IMPACT program (Individualized Movement and Physical Activity for Children Today) for children with disabilities.

Grand prizes are given to the team that raises the most money. To be eligible to win the grand prize, team members are asked to raise at least $20. There also will be a prize for the team that makes it around the obstacle course the most times. Grand prizes include a $300 gift certificate to the Apple store, a $25 gift certificate to Ruby Tuesdays, and more gifts donated by local businesses.

Last year, the Wheel-a-Thon raised more than $1,000, which was twice the amount of the Pre-Therapy and Allied Health Club’s goal.

“We want to raise awareness on campus and in the community about the IMPACT program and the MS Exercise Program,” said Rob Thomas, president of the club. “Last year, we were able to use the money to get some much-needed exercise equipment and supplies for the MS program.”

Sponsors of the Wheel-a-Thon include OSU alumnus and Wheel-a-Thon founder Tony Rocklin – a 1994 graduate of OSU’s Exercise and Sports Science program – who is with Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy in Portland, and Reser’s Fine Foods, which will provide a free chips and salsa booth at the event.

In addition to the obstacle course, there will be live music and an ADA-compliant van on display in the middle of the quad.

The OSU Pre-Therapy & Allied Health Club strives to give students opportunities to learn about the allied health profession, as well as opportunities to volunteer in the community and raise awareness for individuals with disabilities.

To sign up to compete in Wheel-a-Thon, go to http://www.hhs.oregonstate.edu/students/ptah/events.php