POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino invites residents of all abilities and their families to the County’s fifth annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day – a free, inclusive event designed to promote physical wellness, connection and fun for residents with disabilities – on Wednesday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bowdoin Park, part of the County’s award-winning parks system, will again host this popular, rain-or-shine event, which includes complimentary lunch and attracts hundreds of attendees each summer. Registration is required and can be completed online at: dutchessny.gov/tdfieldday.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Our annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day is a highlight of the summer for so many local families. This event reflects the heart of our ThinkDIFFERENTLY philosophy: that all Dutchess County residents deserve to feel welcomed, supported and empowered in their own community. I invite residents to join us for a joyful day of connection, movement and celebration!”
Hosted by the Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, Fitness & Field Day encourages physical activity, social engagement and outdoor fun in a welcoming, supportive environment. This year’s event will include a wide range of adaptive activities and games, including fitness and exercise demonstrations, arts and crafts, sensory stations, education, music and giveaways – including offerings from new partners Two by Two Zoo, Rhythmic Arts Project and CrossFit 845 – all designed to promote movement and inclusion for attendees of every ability.
Alongside the day’s health and fitness events, families who attend can connect with staff from various Dutchess County Government departments and community organizations, who will be on hand to share valuable information about local programs and services that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Dutchess County.
Dutchess County All Abilities Program Director Dana Hopkins said, “Our ThinkDIFFERENTLY team loves collaborating with our many dedicated partners to bring fresh, imaginative activities to this great event. Our Fitness & Field Day remains a joyful celebration for individuals of all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and making even more new friends on June 26 as we all enjoy staying active and healthy.”
Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in Poughkeepsie; ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day will take place at the park’s lower soccer fields, near Pavilion 1. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the park’s many amenities, including the refreshing splash pad, following the free event.
For more information on the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day, residents may contact Kaeleigh Place at 845-486-3568 or kplace@dutchessny.gov.
Fitness & Field Day is one of many inclusive events and initiatives Dutchess County has founded to support its decade-long ThinkDIFFERENTLY efforts.
Established by County Executive Serino, the County’s “Think Accessible” initiative, for example, expands ThinkDIFFERENTLY by focusing on making public spaces, businesses and attractions more inclusive and accessible for people with physical disabilities. Through community partnerships and outreach, infrastructure improvements, training and a certification program, Dutchess County has created a model for full accessibility that goes beyond Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Additional information about “Think Accessible” is available online at: dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/ThinkDIFFERENTLY.htm.
