Nonprofit Spotlight: The Agape Project

Run for All and All for One

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Imagine you signed up to run in a local race, perhaps a local 5K walk/run that raises funds for a charity. You train. You make sure you have good shoes. You talk some friends into doing it with you. It’s about being active and having some fun. You show up on race day well prepared and ready go. Now add to it. You aren’t just running. You are also pushing a person with a disability and that person is riding in a special chair.

Continue to imagine. This time don’t be the runner. This time be the individual with the disability who can only participate with other people’s assistance. This time you need an organization to work with the race director ahead of time and you need someone to provide the chair. You are depending on people to greet you and your family and to move you into the chair. You are depending on them to understand your condition and keep you safe.

Imagine one last time. This time be the observer who watches the runners and the individuals in the chairs cross the finish line, receive their medals, and share some hugs. You can be a part of that grand experience.

The Agape Project enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities by sharing the exhilaration and excitement of racing as one community. The organization coordinates with race directors of running events and then arrives early on race day to set up an area where runners and riders are greeted. Time is spent placing individuals in the running chairs and making sure that runners and riders are matched up and comfortable with each other and with the race.

“We’re allowing individuals with disabilities to participate in races. It’s a great way to get them away from their normal activities and into a new environment where people are caring for them and cheering them on. A typical reaction from the runners and from the families of the individuals is ‘when do we get to do this again?’” Philip Smith, Agape Project president, explains. “We offer an opportunity for people who cannot participate in a running race on their own. They participate with us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children and for adults to be active and to be outside and moving with our support.”

The Agape Project is planning 8 or 9 events for 2025. People who are interested in running, riding, or volunteering should subscribe on the website so they will receive email notifications regarding the schedule. Most races will be 5K’s and some will be longer. The Agape Project uses Hoyt running chairs, offering a fast, smooth, and safe ride.

The Agape Project is always looking for volunteers. Each event offers an opportunity to help set up, interact with the runners and riders, and help close. Supporting is a rewarding experience and a fun way to give back. Anyone interested should reach out directly to info@ theagapeproject.com. Website https://www. theagapeproject.com/