Jewell Cardwell: Soap Box Derby rolling out welcome mat for youth with autism
By Jewell Cardwell
Beacon Journal columnist
Published: February 17, 2013 - 11:08 PM | Updated: February 24, 2013 - 02:52 PM

Drum roll, please, for the International Soap Box Derby for bringing the Autism Society of Greater Akron under its tent.

“This partnership between two great nonprofits will bring more awareness to autism and those affected by it,” said Joseph Mazur, president and CEO of the derby. “Kids with autism have always participated in soap box racing and this partnership will further the awareness of this great family sport.”

To really roll out the welcome mat for this partnership, Mazur has set April 20 as Autism Awareness Day at Derby Downs in Akron.

Children on the autism spectrum and their families can spend the day at the track, he said. They can race down the world-famous 989-foot track, decorate and assemble mini soap box derby cars and race them down a model of Derby Downs. And they’ll also tour the historic hall of fame and museum of past world champ cars. All in the effort to rev up their desire to participate.

Laurie Cramer, director of the Autism Society of Greater Akron, couldn’t be more excited: “A recent study showed that children on the autism spectrum gravitate toward STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields more than the general population. Yet they attend college at a far less rate.

“The derby is all about supporting STEM interests and this is one way to expose more individuals on the spectrum to the fun of the derby, and tap into those interests in a new way. The derby is also an ‘autism friendly’ event for spectators. The cars are quiet and derby organizers are very accommodating so all families can enjoy the fun of the derby.”

And there’s this.

“The derby will provide the Autism Society the opportunity to promote its organization at derby events including the 76th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby on July 27,” said Rachel Whinnery, communications manager for the International Soap Box Derby. This organization is the governing body of derby racing, including the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby at Derby Downs and the Gravity Racing Challenge, a school-based STEM initiative.

The derby dates back to 1934 and held its first All-American race in Dayton. It has grown exponentially since then, with more than 600 races in 130 different racing districts throughout the world annually.