ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field & Fitness Day held in Dutchess

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Bee Bee the Clown

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro hosted residents of every ability to enjoy the county’s inaugural ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field & Fitness Day, at Bowdoin Park Thursday. 

The program, under sunny skies, presented opportunities highlighting the health of people of all abilities, fitness, and nutrition, noted the county executive.

“Those living with developmental and intellectual disabilities have so many obstacles put in their way and some of them are made by people in power making bad choices. Some are just obstacles we just haven’t confronted yet and some of the realities that and some of the realities that everyone of every ability has to overcome something,” he said. “Our goal, and why I think ThinkDIFFERENTLY is important, is it really calls on us to do the simplest of things, and that is to change the way we think about people of differing abilities and create opportunities and to suppose individuals achieving the independence and success that they deserve.”

Molinaro said that while residents with disabilities were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the county never wavered in its commitment to helping them reach their fullest potential.

Standing among the hundreds of participants and vendors, including a fitness game hosted by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Molinaro said the county “is proud to offer our first ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field & Fitness Day, combining our highly successful picnic and race for those with special needs into one exciting event.”

In addition to fitness activities, representatives from several county departments, as well as community providers, were on hand to inform families about the network of programs and services available throughout Dutchess County and beyond for those with disabilities.

Interactive dancing was popular at the event.

A complimentary lunch was provided for all participants at the free event, which included various field games, fitness activities and attractions, and each participant received a medal.

County Comptroller Robin Lois attended the event and was impressed with the turnout.  “It’s great to see differently-abled people of all ages out having a good time, especially after the pandemic severely limited opportunities for large-scale interactions.  Comptroller DiNapoli’s booth, manned by regional representative Matthew Martini, was a popular feature and the visitors appeared to take great joy in jumping into the hula-hoops that were placed on the ground.”

Matthew Martini (left) encouraging a participant.

Launched by Molinaro in 2015, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities relate to their neighbors with all abilities. More than 100 communities throughout the state, and several more across America, have adopted “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” resolutions, pledging to foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for residents and visitors with special needs.

 

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field & Fun Day, according to Molinaro, is Dutchess County’s latest fun and engaging countywide event for residents of all abilities and their families. He also noted that working with the county, the Dutchess County Agricultural Society will host its fifth “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday” at the Dutchess Fair on Thursday, August 26.  It will feature early entry for those with special needs and no flashing lights or loud music on the midway throughout the morning.  The reduction of lights and sounds makes it more enjoyable for those with sensory issues.

In 2016, Dutchess County hosted the first ThinkDIFFERENTLY Dash run/walk through the City of Poughkeepsie, which became an annual event prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering participants with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities with a race of their own through downtown Poughkeepsie.

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue and Bee Bee the Clown were among the local attractions at Thursday’s gathering.  Dr. Toni-Marie Ciarfella, the county’s Deputy Commissioner for Special Needs, called the day a success. “Our community has enthusiastically embraced our efforts for years, and we look forward to providing a great day of healthy recreation for our friends and neighbors with developmental and intellectual disabilities.”




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