By WKTV Staff
American Legion Post 154 Roger B. Chaffee is hosting a Mobility Scooter-Wheelchair Competition to commemorate the Legion’s new electric handicap doors. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, participants can expect an afternoon of food and fun.
The event is open to the public and includes prizes for: Best Score on Ballon Obstacle Course, Fastest Time on Scooter Straight Course and Best Overall Trim Package (includes Best Rider Costume, Best Ride Decorations, Best Pit Crew Spirt and Most Unique/Useful Adaptive Aftermarket Equipment). All abilities compete for prizes – including bragging rights and winner trophies.
There will be three independent judges for all competitions. Judges will be announced the day of the event.
Registration as a competitor, pit crew member, attendee, volunteer or vendor can be found here. Competition rules can be found here.
More information about the Mobility Scooter Competition can be found here.
Disability awareness
“Many of our members are veterans or family members who need a bit more assistance than in the past, whether that’s to enter the building, or to carry in a crock-pot for an event like our annual Chili Cook-off,” says Butch Hogan, Post 154 Facilities Manager. “So, upgrading the doors was the right thing to help all, including those with limited mobility.”
The competition event is being held to celebrate both the new Post 154 accessibility and to increase disability awareness.
According to Ken Stockel, Co-chair of the Scooter Competition, “We’re designing the course will all abilities in mind. Although some may compete in a mobility scooter, power wheelchair, or regular wheelchair, we are also having an obstacle competition for able-bodied participants to compete—in a WHEELCHAIR!
“As most servicemen/women learn early in their military training, when you walk in someone else’s ‘boots’ is when you develop empathy – and that’s where disability awareness begins.”
About American Legion Post 154
The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization with more than 1.6 million members who strengthen the nation through programs, services and advocacy for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, youth and communities.
Post 154 is named after Roger B. Chaffee (Feb. 15, 1935 – Jan. 27, 1967), an officer in the United States Navy, and died with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White during a pre-launch test for the Apollo I mission.
Learn more about American Legion Post 154 here.
