Published on September 15, 2025 1:59 pm
Last Updated on September 15, 2025 1:59 pm
Cheerleaders from families and St. Anthony High School greeted smiling athletes as they crossed the finish line in victory. There are no first, second or third place winners at our event – everyone was a winner simply by finishing the race.
The fourth annual “Meet Me at the Finish Line” Youth Adaptive Try-Athlon was held Saturday at the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex in Effingham, hosted by HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness. This inspirational event promoted fitness and self-confidence for athletes 18 and under who have mobility and physical challenges.
The athletes with buddies by their side participated in swimming, biking and walking/running events. The smiles on their faces spread joy to their families and friends who were cheering them on every splash, pedal and step of the way.
Physical Therapist Alex Kastl, PT, DPT, coordinates the event each year and shared, “This is such a special event that gives children and young adults, who often struggle with any type of functional mobility, the chance to participate in an event that some of us would take for granted. They challenged and pushed themselves to their fullest potential as they swam, biked and walked/ran through the event,” he said. “The look of joy on the kids’ faces as they crossed the finish line and received their medal is hard to beat.”
Special thanks for the HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and Rehabilitation and Wellness team, Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, and the Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter for their help making this a successful event for the athletes and their families.
