Association for Community Living hosting first “Hero Dash”

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) is hosting its first Hero Dash on May 26th.

The Hero Dash will be hosted at the Fort St. John Curling Rink from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for both heroes and sidekicks to participate in an obstacle course.

According to the FSJACL, a hero identifies as a person with a disability or a complex need, and a sidekick is a support person for the hero.

Sheri Ashdown, inclusion and employment program manager at FSJACL, says they wanted to create an inclusive event for people to “have their time to shine and have some fun.”

“Usually, at this time of the year, it’s still cold, so we were hoping to break up some of the winter blues. However, this year is different,” Ashdown said.

Volunteers will also be on-site to partner up with heroes who don’t have a sidekick.

Ashdown says all are welcome to come down to be part of the crowd and be entered into the door prize.

The obstacle course takes less than 15 minutes, and the heroes will receive a prize upon completion.

The manager says there are two full mobility courses and a “wheely track” for those with walkers and wheelchairs.

“Kids are more than welcome to participate as well. It’s not an adult-only event,” Ashdown added.

“It’s an all-ages fun event.”

Capes will be available all afternoon, and free face painting will occur from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

After the event, there will be a social media contest for the best costume on FSJACL’s Facebook page.

To register, email info@fsjacl.com by May 19th at 4 p.m.