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Super Kids Derby of Michigan

Super Kids Derby of Michigan Super Kids Derby of Michigan
(Courtesy Photos)

The Super Kids Derby of Michigan is a joint effort of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Saginaw Soap Box Derby, giving disabled young people the opportunity to be drivers in downhill races with the assistance of dual control cars and trained co-drivers.

The soap box derby racing is for children with specials needs, although there really is no age limit. There is a driver weight limit of less than 220 pounds, however, due to the available space in the cars. The double-wide derby cars are controlled by trained co-drivers while racing down the derby hill in Buena Vista. Co-drivers must be 12 years or older. Training and practice driving is held every Wednesday in May. This is when they also check the brakes and linkage on the cars.

The Derby not only allows these “Super Kids” to experience the thrill of competition, but it gives the young volunteers the opportunity to learn about disabilities, and appreciate how everyone is unique in their own way. Each year, more and more young people become involved as drivers. Caring souls of all ages are welcome to volunteer and be rewarded by the love and smiles of very special children.

Dan Ashcraft, 66, is a National Service Officer of The Military Order of the Purple Heart, representing veteran’s claims to the Veterans Administration for the last 22 years. Ashcraft began the Super Kids Derby after attending a Vietnam Veterans of America conference in Akron, OH in 1992. A fellow member’s son with Downs Syndrome was racing in the soap box nationals that year, and Ashcraft went to watch. It’s when he realized that Saginaw didn’t have a soap box derby for kids with disabilities. The Vietnam Veterans of America gave him a $5,000 grant to get the derby started. Ashcraft also serves as a board member of the Saginaw Soap Box Derby.

Since then, their sponsorships have grown, with The Military Order of the Purple Heart being their largest contributor, donating over $25,000 since 1996. Labadie’s Body Shop has painted most of the cars, and Eberhard & Father Signs have donated all of the derby signs. The owner, Kathy Washabaugh has a nephew who races in the derby.

Super Kids Derby is staffed entirely by volunteers, and is funded through sponsorships and donations from individuals and businesses. With a sponsorship donation of $350, you can get your business name and logo, or personal name, on a car for one season. A car purchase of $1,000 entitles a company or individual to display a name and logo on the car for five years. All donations go directly to support the Super Kids Derby.

These funds make it possible for the Super Kids Derby of Michigan to remain free to all the families of the disabled young people, and to purchase hats, t-shirts, helmets, medals, trophies, food, pictures, and plaques. The crew of dedicated volunteers has donated supplies, food, and whatever else is needed when no funds are available, and continue to do so.

Special plaques are presented to those who sponsor a young person or purchase a car. All supporters are invited to attend the races, as well as the awards presentations and picnics afterward.

“We can always use volunteers to help haul cars, and lift them on and off the trailers, for setting up tents and chairs, and entertaining the kids,” said Ashcraft. He also invites everyone to come out and cheer.

Amanda Silvernaile, a retired Saginaw Police Officer, along with her husband George, a retired Saginaw Police Lieutenant, have been with the Super Kids Derby for the last 8 years, and are also members of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club (Chapter X). Their son George, who is now 16, has been racing in the derby since he was 8 years old. Their other two children, Valerie, 13, and Shaun, 11, are volunteers.

Ashcraft went on to say, “The kids just love hearing their names announced over the P.A., and they get a real kick out of the nicknames I give them.”

The last race of the season takes place on August 15th at 11:00 a.m. Afterward, there will be an awards banquet, held at the UAW 699 Hall on Bagley St. in Saginaw.

Major supporters of the Super Kids Derby of Michigan include The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Saginaw Soap Box Derby.

For more information about the Super Kids Derby of Michigan, contact Amanda Silvernaile at ajsilvernaile@tm.net, or call 798-0502. Visit their website on Facebook @ superkidsderbymi.com.


 

 

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