New York, NY – YAI’s Central Park Challenge, New York’s largest gathering that celebrates people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is taking center stage in the city’s iconic park once again and bringing more accessible fun than ever before. Join thousands of New Yorkers for a morning of free fun featuring a festival area with carnival games, our signature 3K Walk the Blue Man Group will be kicking off, and a communal art mural headed by our beloved YAI artists.  

Hosted by Bill Ritter, anchor of WABC-TV's Eyewitness News, Central Park Challenge will take place at the Naumburg Bandshell on Saturday, June 3 from 8 am-12 pm.  

This year, several aspects of the event have been spearheaded by the I/DD community, prioritizing accessible and inclusive activities that bring people with disabilities and their neurotypical peers together. Event goers will have a chance to utilize some assistive technology that will be on display at the park as well as learn about adaptive fashion through the accessible closet that will be showcasing shirts with magnetic buttons and Velcro openings, Ankle Foot Orthosis-friendly shoes for balance and stability, and other adaptive clothing and costumes donated by Target and other private donors. In addition, all the merchandise that is on sale through the Central Park Challenge store features one-of-a-kind artwork designed by YAI artists.  

The entertainment lineup includes Cheer New York, So Fun City who will be doing an inclusive magic show, Only Make Believe leading an inclusive theater workshop, and Bubbledad who is hosting an educational show. Musical performances include DJ Nick Colletto of NIC Entertainment, The Speakers, and YAI’s very own DJ Allan Fraser.

For more information, visit www.centralparkchallenge.org 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kamana Shrestha: kamana.shrestha@yai.org | 646.780.9936

ABOUT YAI: Founded in 1957, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. YAI’s 4,000 employees provide supportive housing, education, medical, dental, and mental health care, job training, community integration, and social enrichment for more than 20,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, in New York, New Jersey, and California.