Whidbey Island youth, "driving" specialty cars, will take the starting line at top of SE Barrington Drive hill at 10am on August 26th as high school cheerleaders and color guard, community, members, friends and families cheer them on in the 31st annual Challenge Series downhill gravity race. 

 

The race gives youth with special needs the opportunity to "drive" a race car,  powered by gravity.  Each car will be piloted by another youth (trained volunteer) to help guide the race car along the course. 

 

"It's a fun way for the challenged youth in our community to enjoy the thrill of downhill racing," said Janis Powell, race coordinator.  Powell and members of North Whidbey Sunrise Rotary Club put the race on each summer. "Every child in a race car 'wins'," she said.

 

The event raises funds for sensory toys and aides home health devices, enrichment programs and activities for children and youth with special needs through donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. 

 

This year funds raised from businesses and individual sponsorships during the previous Challenge Series made a difference in the lives of more than 10 families. 

 

North Whidbey Sunrise Rotary Club's Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that also provides scholarships to Skagit Valley Community College and other Rotary projects.