Festival of Inclusion Set for Sept. 19

AMBUCS Long Island will host its Festival of Inclusion Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at the William Floyd New Middle School, 630 Moriches-Middle Island Road in Moriches.

The community event will showcase the organization’s mission of creating mobility and independence, including its Amtryke adaptive bikes, which give children with special needs an opportunity to ride alongside family and friends.

The William Floyd School District has partnered with AMBUCS Long Island to develop an Amtryke bike program in its schools, purchasing specific adaptive models that students can use during physical therapy, occupational therapy and recreational activities.

The Festival of Inclusion will give families an opportunity to learn more about that effort while taking part in a wide range of activities. The event will feature adaptive basketball, bowling, hockey, floor scooters, pickleball, lacrosse and baseball, along with arts and crafts, a coloring contest and giveaways.

A car show will also be held with trophies for Best in Show. Raffles will offer bicycles and helmets, along with a chance to win a free Amtryke. Vendors and Chinese auction baskets will also be featured.

Organizers are inviting local businesses, organizations and residents to become sponsors or partners in AMBUCS Long Island’s “Wish List” program, helping the organization provide adaptive equipment to those who need it.

Donations can be made payable to The Long Island Chapter of National AMBUCS Inc. or through Zelle at ambucsli@gmail.com.

For additional information about the Festival of Inclusion, sponsorships or vendor participation, contact AMBUCS Long Island President Debbie Metz at 631-767-4354 or debbiemetz23@gmail.com.

AMBUCS, originally known as American Business Clubs, was founded in 1922 as a national service organization. Today, National AMBUCS focuses on creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities, most notably through its Amtryke program, which provides adaptive tricycles designed to help children and adults with mobility challenges ride and participate alongside family and friends.