Sportable's 'Kon-Tiki Challenge' encourages participants to reach goals beyond their perceived limits

Sportable is calling all runners, walkers, bikers, rowers, pushers and more to participate in its Kon-Tiki Challenge this summer.

The 2-miler challenge will take place Wednesday Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dorey Park in Varina. Participants of all abilities are welcome to participate; there are options for people to run, walk, bike, push, or row at their own pace during the in-person 2-miler or register to take part and log miles virtually.

The event is meant to complement Sportable volunteer Dan Schmitt’s 4,500-mile cross country bike ride he began in May and is expected to finish in mid-August. (Schmitt, the former president and chief operating officer of HHHunt, is no relation to Henrico’s Brookland District supervisor of the same name.) The term ‘Kon-Tiki’ symbolizes a personal goal that goes beyond one’s perceived limits. Schmitt was inspired by this meaning – and the original Kon-Tiki story about the journey of six men who sailed 4,300 miles from Peru to the Polynesian islands – to create bigger goals for himself and help Sportable.

“It’s really just about coming out and challenging yourself to do the best you can wherever you’re at,” said Schmitt’s wife, Sportable development director Cindy Schmitt. “Our motto is to push yourself harder today than you did yesterday.”

The fee to participate is $35, which includes a Kon-Tiki Challenge t-shirt and post-race celebration. Participants are also encouraged to create their own fundraisers when they register and to reach out to friends and family for donations to help Sportable reach its goal of raising $100,000 by mid-August. As of July 6, the organization had raised almost half that amount, Schmitt said.

Those who raise $250 or more from their personal fundraisers will have their registration fees refunded, and Sportable will match all donation and registration fees up to $10,000.

“We are excited to support Sportable through the Kon-Tiki Challenge and hope that this matching opportunity will inspire and motivate others to financially support the organization as well as to set their own personal goals that push you a little bit,” Schmitt said. “The reward is great, and it is a win-win for everyone involved.”

All the proceeds will be used to continue providing access to adaptive sports for those with physical disabilities or visual impairment in Metro Richmond. Sportable has relied upon donations to support adaptive sports for more than 15 years. Whether it's offering 16 different activities for those with disabilities or just fostering a fun and inclusive environment to more than 400 athletes, Sportable’s goal has been to transform athlete’s lives and help them look beyond their disabilities.

Anyone can use these links to sign up for the Kon-Tiki Challenge, donate directly to Sportable and follow Schmitt’s journey on Instagram.