The 38th annual Playland Day for People with Disabilities kicked off with a morning of adventure sports for special needs children, hosted by The Tommie Cares Foundation.
Specially trained lifeguards and athletes took children with special needs kayaking, stand up paddling, outrigger canoeing, and more. The morning ended with an awards ceremony where every child received a medal for participating.
Tommie Cares was officially formed two months ago but had been in the making or the last two years, founder Tommie Kallish said. It is designed to build community, possibility, compassion and understanding. The foundation is dedicated to helping those in need with physical and developmental special needs, gain confidence and self-esteem through real-life adventures.
Kallish created the organization in honor of his brother who had special needs and who he took care of until he passed away, he said. This is not Kallish's first organization to help those who are disabled.
Visit www.tommiecares.org to learn more.
Watch the video above for more on the water adventure activities today. Shown in the video, in order of appearance: Kristen Guest, Executive Director of Tommie Cares and a Bedford Hills resident, Tommie Kallis, founder of Tommie Cares and a Bedford resident, Jesus Rodriguez-Arias, a 7-year-old participant of the event from New York City and New York City volunteer Kathy Tong.
More on Playland Day for People with Disabilities from Westchester County:
More than 9,000 people signed up for the Playland Day for People with Disabilities, which allows participants to enjoy free rides, events and activities at the park in Rye.
This is the first year that the Westchester County’s Office for the Disabled and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation teamed up with Tommie Cares, which sponsored the cost of the event.
“Playland Day gives people with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the great things Playland has to offer, and join in the fun with thousands of other families who share their same experiences,” explained County Executive Robert P. Astorino.
“We are thrilled to partner with Westchester County and take part in this fantastic event,” said Tom Kallish, founder of Tommie Cares and a Bedford resident.
Verizon, also a sponsor, provided volunteers to help with traffic control, ride assistance, registration and entertainment. Pepsi has donated gifts, prizes and promotional materials.
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