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Racers wanted for Penticton soap box derby

Attendees will get to meet professional race car driver Austin Riley
15671781_web1_190227-PWN-Soapbox-Saturday

Car enthusiasts in Penticton have a new event to look forward to in the city this spring. The Penticton Centre for Exceptional Learning is hosting Soap Box Saturday on April 6.

The car-themed event will feature a soapbox derby sponsored by Greyback Construction, an appearance by Canadian professional race car driver Austin Riley, and plenty of activities for all ages.

“Building and racing soapbox cars is a great family activity,” said Carrie Ferguson, event organizer and executive director of the centre. “We hope to get a lot of participants in the derby and welcome the whole community to watch the races and enjoy all of the activities we have planned.”

For the first year, the course is designed to be fun for beginners. Registrants can build their own soapbox racers, and there will be prizes for the fastest soapbox car, and also for the most creative designs. There will also be soapbox cars available for people to try. Anyone interested in the derby can register now at www.soapboxsaturday.com.

When not racing, attendees can meet Austin Riley, the world’s first professional race car driver with autism. Riley has been touring North America with his race car and the Autism Reality Experience trailer to raise awareness of autism and help people understand what it’s like to live with the disorder.

“We’re really honoured to have Austin Riley at the event and to be able to have the Autism Reality Experience trailer available for residents to try,” said Ferguson.

The event is a first for the Penticton Centre for Exceptional Learning, a registered charity that supports, educates and challenges students with high-functioning autism. Their goal for the event is to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and raise funds for the learning centre.

Activities will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the centre at 3547 Skaha Lake Road. Information about entry fees and rules for the events are available on the website at www.soapboxsaturday.com.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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