County ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day Coming

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro invites residents of all ages and abilities to the second annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day at Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park on Friday, July 29th at 11 am. This free event will include many interactive vendors, fitness activities, and attractions that highlight health and nutrition for people of every ability. All attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and go home with a medal for participating in the day’s events. Pre-registration is required by July 18th for this rain-or-shine event, and residents, families, and providers can register at dutchessny.gov/tdfieldday.

In addition to fitness and health activities, representatives from several County departments and community partners will be on-site to provide families with critical information about programs and services available throughout Dutchess County for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We are very excited to host the 2nd ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day at Bowdoin Park. This event was started last year to create access to health and wellness for residents of all abilities with fun and interactive activities. As a father of a child with a disability, I know how important an event like this is for these families and we are happy to provide such events throughout the year. Our “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” events are always full of fun and laughter and help people with disabilities break barriers and prove they are capable of so much more than people may think. I look forward to Fitness and Field Day and to share a day of fun and health for all that attend. It is a wonderful way for families to socialize and connect with each other and resources in our community.”

The afternoon will be filled with many informative and interactive vendors, with games, crafts, and activities that are accessible to people of all abilities. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue and the Anderson Center for Autism’s ice cream truck are among the many local attractions with whom the event’s participants can interact with.

The Fitness & Field Day is one of the many ThinkDIFFERENTLY events hosted by the County. Dutchess County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative, launched in 2015, is a call to action to help make Dutchess County a supportive and inclusive community for individuals of all abilities. Since its inception, more than 100 villages, towns, cities, and counties across New York State and across the nation have made the commitment to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” in their communities.

Dutchess County All Abilities Program Director Dana Hopkins said, “Thank you to all the vendors and attendees planning to participate in our second annual Fitness & Field Day on July 29th. Last year was a great success and this year is shaping up to be even better. We have worked hard to create an afternoon that is fun, informative, and accessible to all. The “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative is so important to us, and we’re delighted to make more memories with friends and neighbors.”

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the town of Poughkeepsie; ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day will take place at the park’s lower soccer fields, adjacent to Pavilion 1. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy Bowdoin Park’s many amenities following the free event, including the refreshing splash pad.

For more information on the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day contact Mara by phone at 845-486-3568 or email at xsantiago@dutchessny.gov.