Kids compete for autism
Bobby Wiggers crosses the finish line after finishing the fun run during the Kids Competing For Autism Speaks Triathlon event held Aug. 2 at Settler’s Cabin Park.
Sydney Saba turns the corner during the cycling portion of the triathlon.
Eva Blatz receives her medal after finishing the triathlon.
The Blatz family of Bethel Park had many reasons for participating in the Kids Competing For Autism Speaks Triathlon held Aug. 2 at Settler’s Cabin Park. However, Bobby Wiggers proved the primary purpose. See, the 10-year-old Bridgeville resident lives with the developmental disability, which is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
“Bobby’s my friend,” explained Eva Blatz. Because her parents, Mike and Rosemary, used to babysit Bobby when he was younger, Eva said that she was aware of autism and wanted to compete for that reason. “This was something little I could do for Bobby. It was worthwhile because it’s important to do things for others.”
For Bobby, Eva struggled. She suffered through a 100-meter swim before completing a 1.5-mile bike and 1-mile run. The 10-year-old finished fifth overall in her age category. “The swimming was the hardest. I’m not a very good swimmer,” she admitted. “So, I’m proudest of myself for getting through that. Thinking about Bobby helped me.”
And, after a short respite from her 17:40 minute test, Eva again challenged herself and helped Bobby through his competition. Along with 17 of her Century United Soccer Club teammates, including her younger sister, Freya, 9, she accompanied Bobby as he completed his race. The one-mile fun run capped the day’s celebration that created more awareness regarding autism.
“It was fun,” said Eva, who favors soccer as her sport. “I love to get out and exercise.” And why shouldn’t Bobby, she added. “Definitely,” she said, adding that people with autism should be able to and “can do things.”
According to Lori Poe, that is the long-term objective. She forged a friendship with Bobby’s parents, Stephanie and Tom, long before they joined forces to begin the triathlon four years ago. Poe believes everybody, including those with autism, should have the ability to participate and do things that the others can. In fact, Poe envisions special-needs kids participating in a triathlon with other able-bodied athletes. “The goal is that everybody should have just as many opportunities,” she said.
Eva’s father saw the autism triathlon as an opportunity for instruction. A soccer coach, he used the event as a teaching moment for his Century United players. “On one level, I can tell them during practice, ‘Hey remember when you did that in the triathlon?’ when we are teaching about transition,” Blatz said. “In soccer, you don’t get a five-minute water break. Transition is such a huge part of soccer. So this is a creative way to teach that concept.”
The triathlon is also a creative way to expose young athletes to life-long activities that may also have a positive impact upon others. “Fantastic,” said Blatz of the event. He added that it’s a great way to spread the word about autism and promote understanding.
Sydney Saba agreed. The 11-year-old Mt. Lebanon resident finished second overall in the triathlon, a mere three seconds behind her rival Olivia Kamarec from Cranberry. Sydney and Olivia play on the same team for the Beadling Soccer Club.
“I just like doing triathlons,” said Sydney, who swims for the Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club and also plays lacrosse and basketball. “I don’t really know anybody who has autism but I am aware of it. I know it affects kids in school and play but I think if they have the ability to do something, then why shouldn’t they do it. I think it’s good to help them.”
Exercise certainly helps those with autism, says Shannon Cohen. She works for Keystone Physical Therapy in Bethel Park, which provided post-race massages for the young triathletes. “Anybody with a disability can benefit from exercise,” she said. “Exercise is excellent for autism. It keeps them healthy. And an event like this helps bring awareness. It also brings kids together and they realize that they are not alone.”
Bobby is never alone. Not only does he get a little help from many friends, he receives a big assist from his younger brothers, Brady and Owen. At age 5, Owen was too young to compete in the triathlon, but he did participate in the fun run. Meanwhile, Brady took third in his age group then ran the one-mile event.
Brady dedicated his performance in the triathlon to Guinness. The ailing 14-year-old dog, with the bad hip, often greeted Bobby as he gets off the bus from school. “They really bonded. Sometimes Guinness even sleeps with Bobby,” pointed out Stephanie Wiggers. She noted that it’s Brady’s nature to always think about someone else. “That’s the way he does things.”
The family enjoys participating in the Kids Competing For Autism Speaks Triathlon among other events because it is the one activity that unites them. “It’s so rare that we are able to do something together. We don’t always get that opportunity,” noted Wiggers.
Through the triathlon, Wiggers did have the chance to express her gratitude. “It means a lot to see so many people supporting the cause and the triathlon,” she said as she wiped a tear from her eye. Noting the turn out nearly doubled from last year, she said that she couldn’t be happier. “I’m thrilled. This raises more awareness and it’s exciting to also meet new friends. It’s also nice to see those that have watched their older siblings and are now finally old enough to compete themselves.”
While he was not able to compete himself in the triathlon, Ryan Berl of Moon participated in the fun run. Ryan, too, has autism.
“It’s pretty neat to see him do something like this,” said Ryan’s father, Tom. “It was fun to see him have a good time.
Ryan and Tom both feel they can do much in the future. Ryan attends the Pressley Ridge School for Autism. “There are so many different types of autism on the spectrum,” Tom said. “Some are highly functional. Some are not. And, there are a lot that are in between. It’s a great school and a great organization with so many programs that have done wonders for our family. It is my hope that Ryan will do great things.”