GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Challenge Enterprises of North Florida partnered with The Ability Experience for Gear Up Florida on May 13 to further promote acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities.

A team of 28 cyclists and six crew members started their 14-day journey from the shores of Miami with plans to finish at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. During their trip, cyclists will visit local groups supporting people with disabilities.

“We are excited to continue this tradition and reconnect with so many of our friends with disabilities across the state,” said Basil Lyberg, the President and Executive Director of The Ability Experience.

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida will be one of the many groups Gear Up Florida will visit.

Members of Club Challenge and the Adult Day Training Program will be sharing lunch with the participants at Camp Chowenwaw Park on Wednesday, May 24. The lunch will have yard games and a visit to Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program, in which individuals will be allowed to play wheelchair basketball against some of the country’s top adaptive athletes.

“The participants at Challenge Enterprises look forward to this annual event,” said Stephanie Young, Director of Marketing and Communications at Challenge Enterprises of North Florida. “The mutually beneficial experience of sharing a meal, having conversations, and playing field games helps to break down stereotypes as new friendships are formed.”

Overall, Challenge Enterprises is excited about the return of Gear Up Florida. Since 1997, more than 500 cyclists have participated in this 950-mile event to spread their message of awareness and inclusion for those living with a disability. The event will also provide an opportunity for Challenge Enterprises and Gear Up Florida to share the news through different media platforms and reach a larger audience throughout the state.

“Individuals with disabilities want to be seen, heard, and taken seriously as contributing members of our community. We all are uniquely able in our own ways, and we all have the need to be acknowledged and valued,” Young said. “An Inclusive Community is a strong community because it gives each person in the community the opportunity to use their ability to better the community as a whole.”