Cross Country Cyclists Bring 'Ability Experience' Mission To Northbrook
(CBS) -- Cross country riders from the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity are trading in their bikes for wheelchairs this week in Northbrook.
It's all part of the 30th annual Journey of Hope that rides each year across the country. It's a 4,000 mile bike trip to bring awareness to The Ability Experience.
"The mission of the Ability Experience is to raise awareness and to educate and support the goal of empowering children and adults with visual and physical disabilities," said Adrienne Wright, Development Director, North Suburban YMCA.
This is the seventh year the bikers will be stopping at the North Suburban YMCA.
"They'll be here overnight, they'll be able to shower and we're hosting a big event surrounding their visit."
On Tuesday, the cyclists will take on the Great Lake Adaptive Sports Association in a "wheels versus wheels" football game.
"If you've never seen a wheelchair football game before, it's really special. It's friendly, high energy and it brings people together on the same level."
Wright says the game is designed to highlight abilities and not disabilities.
"The event carries a very strong message of empowerment for individuals with physical challenges."
The football events are free and open to all children and families and people are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite football team jersey or uniform.
Recently the NSYMCA has begun providing high quality, inclusive opportunities in dance, yoga, art, fitness and aquatics for children with special needs so they can learn, play, and interact with their peers.
The Northwestern Football Team will also be on hand for a meet and great starting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The "Wheels Versus Wheels" football game will begin at 7:15 in the NSYMCA gym.