Nearly 250 participants from the five boroughs, the Five Towns and New Jersey are preparing to run, climb, jump, crawl and muscle their way through the Second Annual OXC (OHEL Xtreme Challenge) 5-mile or 1.5-mile obstacle course at Camp Kaylie, to be held on Sunday, May 15. The course has been custom-built by professionals to allow all participants to push their bodies and test their limits, 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 challenging and fun-filled day.
OXC features over 32 obstacles, including tunnels, climbing walls, balance beams, rope ladders, water hurdles, mud dumpsters 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 of overcoming obstacles together. Participants and their families will get to enjoy a full day at Camp Kaylie that includes breakfast, registration, a 5-mile (or 1.5-mile) obstacle course, BBQ lunch, and a participant parade.
Family members of OHEL individuals, Camp Kaylie campers and students from several colleges and high schools from the Five Towns and New Jersey, including HAFTR, DRS, TABC, North Shore and Frisch, have already signed up and are preparing for the event on May 15. “I’m training at Move U Fitness in Brooklyn with Mark Izhak several times a week,” says OXC participant Goldy Weiss. “It’s challenging but fun, especially as I join with 20 other Flatbush women. We challenge each other every week to do more, and know that with our women power we’re invincible! Our group of women has become a family; we strengthen each other. We are passionate about our training and proud to be fundraising for OHEL’s children and adults. Training to overcome obstacles similar to what OHEL individuals face every day has changed my life. It has also enhanced my perspective of OHEL and all they do to help those facing challenges every day.”
Ben Englander, OHEL Board member and OXC Chairman, commented: “This is a groundbreaking event and I am proud to be involved with this for its second year. I personally participated with my family last year and it was beyond awesome! Our team, “The Bunklemen”, is proud to be a part of the event again. The obstacles are amazing and challenging. It will be a great day for kids and adults of all abilities. Come out and join us in support of OHEL’s children and adults.”
OHEL notes that the customized tiered system of obstacles, appealing to both seasoned pros and individuals with developmental disabilities, has become a trend in fitness-related events. “We have built this course with the hopes that we can set a new precedent in fundraising”, 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”.
OHEL thanks OXC Chairmen Ben Englander, Aryeh Jacobson, Etan Kestenbaum, and Jeffrey Schwartz for their tireless work on this event, as well as our sponsors: ABC Communications, ABF Mud Run, Atlantic PC, Inc., Barristers Title Agency, Billman Ross & Associates, Clif Bar & Company, Dependable Abstract, Elite Care, Fresko, Poland Spring, Rosco Vision Systems, Stein Farkas & Schwartz LLP, and Toby Schwartz Graphic Design. We also thank 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. Please call 718-972-9338 or visit www.oheloxc.org.
Since 1969, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages effectively manage disability, surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crisis.
