Fourth Annual Super Kids Soap Box Derby Held In Moundsville
Trending
Local special needs children had the opportunity to race down Sycamore Avenue in the Batmobile and other decorated vehicles during the fourth annual Super Kids Soap Box Derby.
Nineteen special needs children participated in the derby races on Saturday in Moundsville, with Ohio Valley Soap Box Derby participants by their side as co-pilots steering the vehicle.
Soapbox cars began rolling down the hill at 10 a.m., and the top two finishers headed to the championship races in Akron. After racing for the day, all participants also got to pick up a trophy.
Various decorated cars were available for participants to pick from for their rides. Designed vehicles included a car shaped like a Minion, a replica "Wreck it Ralph" vehicle and a "Nemo" themed car.
Shane VanScyoc, organizer of both races, explained that over the years, more and more cars have been added to the fleet as volunteers, including his wife and him, have built and designed additional vehicles.
"I built the Batmobile car, and after that, I said I was done," joked VanScyoc, who added that the pilots get more excited about participating in the races every year.
"The kids love doing this, and it allows them to do the things that regular kids do," noted VanScyoc. "That makes them feel good to be out here, and the co-pilots get more experience too."
Zachary Carenbauer explained he has taken his nonverbal son, Austin Carenbauer, to participate in the event every year since its inception because it gives his child the opportunity to do what other children can enjoy.
"My favorite part of today is watching him participate with the drivers," said Carenbauer. "He's won some races over the years but has never been in the top three. That doesn't matter, though, because it's just great to be out here and see all the smiles on all the kids' faces."
One participant determined to finish in the top three was pilot Holden Estel, who has participated in the derby since its start. With his experience, Estel could pick out which vehicles he knew would go the fastest down the hill.
"My favorite part of the races is winning, so we picked out the fastest car today," said Estel, who had just finished a race in the Wreck-It-Ralph vehicle with his co-pilot, Abby Burnopp. "We know the cars and how fast they go, so I'm trying to do as many races as I can today."
Burnopp's favorite part of the races was participating in them with Estel. She explained that his energy and enthusiasm for the event made it more enjoyable for her.
"I love seeing him smile while we're riding down the hill," said Burnopp. "He's always in a good mood, and it cheers me up."
While Burnopp was in charge of steering the car as the co-pilot, she noted that she was not as focused on the competitive aspect of the event as she was on having fun with her pilot.
"When I do the Glen Dale races [Ohio Valley Soap Box Derby] they're a little bit more competitive, so I like that the main part of today is just having fun," said Burnopp. "I'm always smiling a lot and just enjoying seeing the other kids have the opportunity to have fun and do this."
Though Estel was eager to win races on Saturday, he added that he also enjoyed the impromptu dance parties that would break out in between races.
For VanScyoc, who will be hanging up his hat organizing the race after this year, the focus of the races is on bringing the community together to create a fun atmosphere for the kids.
"We just come out here and have a good time," said VanScyoc. "It's great to get the community involved and make a fun day out of it."