(Chittenango, NY – July 2013) ARISE is hosting the third annual ARISE & Ride at the Farm fundraising event on Saturday, July 27. People of all ages will come together to cycle and play in support of the inclusive recreation programs offered at ARISE at the Farm.
The 25- and 12-mile cycle rides in the morning through the Chittenango countryside will be followed by the Farm Festival in the afternoon. Friends, families, and co-workers are encouraged to start a team. Childcare will be available for kids under the age of 14 until parents return from the ride.
In the afternoon, families can enjoy lunch out at the Farm along with all of the Festival activities. The Farm Festival has been expanded this year to include therapeutic horseback riding demonstrations and field games, as well as the raffle, pony rides, bounce house, face painting, high ropes course, medieval demonstrations, hay wagon rides, and more.
ARISE at the Farm is a local therapeutic and education center in Chittenango that provides people of all abilities the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of recreation. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the inclusive recreation programs offered at the Farm. Proceeds from previous years have been used to support new, innovative programming like the 21-Day Challenge.
The 21-Day Challenge was developed by ARISE staff in an effort to help children and adults with disabilities jump-start major physical gains. Based on the 21-Day Habit Theory, riders participated in daily half-hour therapeutic horseback riding lessons for three weeks straight. At the end of the 21-Day Challenges, participants not only showed signs of strengthened core muscles, they also showed greater motor control and confidence.
“Therapeutic riding is a great form of therapy because it encourages the muscles to constantly work in response to the movement of the horse. The participants don’t realize how hard their body is working because they’re busy enjoying the ride,” said Nikki Dandignac, one of ARISE at the Farm’s therapeutic riding instructors.
Community members can show their support for inclusive recreation programs like the 21-Day Challenge by participating in the ARISE & Ride at the Farm event on Saturday, July 27. The event is the single largest annual fundraiser for the Farm.
The grounds open at 8 a.m. and check-in for the cycle rides begins at 8:30 a.m. Cycling registration costs $30 per person, and family discounts are available. Participants are encouraged to ask family and friends to sponsor their ride to raise funds for ARISE at the Farm. “Virtual” cyclists can register as well. Farm Festival activity passes are available for $5 per person. To pre-register for the event, visit www.ariseandride.org. For more information, contact Elizabeth Martin at (315) 671-2909 or emartin@ariseinc.org.
ARISE at the Farm is located at 1972 New Boston Road in Chittenango. The event is held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.