Nearly 200 participants from the Five Boroughs, the Five Towns and New Jersey are training hard to run, climb, jump, crawl, and muscle their way through this year’s first-ever OXC –OHEL’s Xtreme Challenge 5-mile or 1.5-mile course at Camp Kaylie. The course has been custom built to allow all participants to push their bodies to the limit, with options for everyone from children to the most hardened athletes. Modeled after the now famous “Tough Mudder” and “Spartan” runs, OXC includes options for children and adults with disabilities. Several of OHEL Bais Ezra’s residents with disabilities who have overcome their own life challenges will be joining for this fun-filled day.
OXC features over 30 obstacles including tunnels, climbing walls, balance beams, rope ladders, water hurdles and much more. As teams or individuals, every one of the participants will make it to the finish line, receive a medal and other giveaways and be proud of their accomplishments. Participants and their families will enjoy an all-day BBQ, festival with food vendors and blow up rides for kids. Students from several schools from the five towns including HAFTR, DRS, and North Shore, as well as OHEL residents and family members have already signed up, and are preparing for the event on June 7th. “I’m training at Warren Levi’s Fitness Center every day,” says Gidon, a 12th grader from DRS. I’m challenging myself, but I also know that my senior classmates and I have teamed up as our last class outing to help OHEL’s kids and adults. And that makes us all feel great!”
Ben Englander, OHEL Board member and OXC Committee Member commented: “This is a groundbreaking event and I am proud to be involved with this. I’ve personally seen and climbed some of the obstacles. They’re awesome and challenging. It will be a great day for kids and adults of all abilities. So come out and join us in support of OHEL’s kids and adults.”
OHEL hopes that the customized tiered system of obstacles, appealing to both seasoned pros and individuals with developmental disabilities, will become a trend in fitness related events. “We have built this course with the hopes that we can set a new precedent in fund raising, said Robert Katz, Chief Development Officer at OHEL. “I hope that we can lead by example to show how any event can provide options for participants of all ability levels. And the obstacle course will remain up in Camp Kaylie for Kaylie campers to enjoy all summer long.”
OHEL thanks Ben Englander, Mordy Schwartz, Aryeh Jacobson and Etan Kestenbaum for their tireless work on this event, as well as main sponsors: Investors Bank, ABC Communications, Saxony Title, Dependable Abstract, Poland Springs Brand 100% Natural Water, Cliff Bars, and others as well as our many participants who helped raise money to make this event possible.
All funds raised at this event support OHEL’s children and adults with disabilities, and families in crisis. There is still time to participate, sponsor a participant or team, or become an event sponsor. Call 718 972 9338 or visit our website www.oheloxc.com
