The 12th Annual Issaquah Rotary Challenge Day Race is set for Saturday, July 18.
This terrific event allows participants with disabilities to experience the fun of a soapbox derby race down 2nd Avenue in front of the Community Center in historic Downtown Issaquah.
For the race, two youngsters climb into the seat of a sleek soapbox derby car. With the slam of the starting gate, the car’s wheels begin to turn. As gravity kicks in, the two seater dashes along 2nd Avenue.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with racing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other activities include adaptive cycling for children and adults with disabilities and lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Issaquah for event participants and volunteers.
This event would not be possible without the vision of longtime Issaquah resident and retired Puget Sound Energy executive Leo Finnegan.
Leo is the father of an adult son with a disability and brought the idea of continuing this type of race, which had been sponsored by Puget Power.
Now, thanks to Leo’s efforts and various community volunteers, the Challenge Day Race is an annual community event.
The event is made possible thanks to the many volunteers from the Rotary Club of Issaquah and the co-sponsorships of Life Enrichment Options, Tate & Oellrich Inc. P.S. CPAs, I-90 Motorsports & Michaels Chevrolet of Issaquah, along with other local sponsors. Life Enrichment Options, or LEO, seeks to promote a good quality of life within the Issaquah community for citizens who have developmental disabilities, especially as it pertains to housing, employment and recreation.
LEO believes that all citizens, including those with disabilities, should be an important part of a community’s vision. Further, this vision should manifest itself in policies and practices of a diverse and caring community.
For over 25 years, the Rotary Club of Issaquah has been active in the Greater Issaquah Community.
As a local service club, its members are business and professional leaders who believe in the motto “Service Above Self.”
For further information about this event or becoming a sponsor, contact Life Enrichment Options at 425-392-3224, or Stan Conrad – Issaquah Rotary Club at (425) 864-6171.
