Mountain Metro AMBUCS Host Challenge Trail in Lawton

Mountain Metro AMBUCS will again host its Challenge Trail for mentally and physically challenged youth and adults who come each year to take on and accomplish the daring events, Saturday, September 19 at the Goodyear Pavilion.
This community service Special Olympics-like event challenges participants to do their best at all the activities.

The participants are encouraged to walk as many laps as possible on a track. Each person is accompanied by a volunteer who praises and encourages the participant to do his or her best. They also play games, make crafts, visit with police and firemen, and inspect police cars and firetrucks which is a huge favorite.

“The event attracts participants from all over the area who look forward to this day of fun,” said Pam Jennings, Project Manager for the Challenge Trail. “We have some folks who have been coming out since the first time we held the event in 1994.”

The challenge is populated with Mountain Metro AMBUCS volunteers assisted by Cameron team members, the Junior AMBUCS and other groups. The club also provides a free hot-dog lunch to the participants.

“This community service event is hinged on volunteers and getting as many items as possible donated,” said Jennings. “Not only do the participants receive goodie bags with all kinds of treasures but they also receive a t-shirt and Olympic style medal.

“Bar-S Foods, Country Mart, Hop & Sack and the VFW Post #1193 donate the lunch items,” said Jennings. “And the goodie bags are filled with items donated by Chick-fil-a, Fort Sill Apache Casino, Dr. Michael Jackson, Dr. Phillip Aday, EZGO, Nora O’Neil Adult Daycare and others. We couldn’t do the event without their generosity.”

Right after lunch each participant is brought up to the podium accompanied by cheers and whistles, draped with their medal and given his or her goodie bag.

“It’s not unusual to see huge smiles and some tears decorate everyone’s face,” said Jennings. “Last year about 140 participants rose to the challenge and left the event tired but happy.”

For more information call Pam Jennings at 580-595-0884.