Kids with disabilities compete in Soap Box Derby warm-up

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

AKRON — When Eleanor Dasen speeds down the hill at Derby Downs, she feels like she’s flying.

Eleanor, 12, of Akron, nearly flew past the competition Friday in the National Super Kids Classic, a Soap Box Derby race for kids with disabilities. She came close to claiming one of six spots to compete again today in the All-American race — losing her last heat to a Connecticut racer.

Jill Dasen, Eleanor “Ellie’s” mom, said the competition is more about the thrill than winning for her daughter.

“That’s what it’s all about: the fun,” said Dasen, who cheered on Eleanor from the sidelines during Friday’s race. “The more times she can go down the hill — the better.”

Eleanor was one of 46 kids from 13 states who competed in the annual superkids competition.

This was the second year that the race was run during Derby week — and that the top racers will compete in today’s main race.

The racers, who are between age 8 and 17, were paired with experienced Derby racers, who rode down the hill with them in the double-elimination competition.

When Derek Harrison of North Canton coasted past the finish line to win a heat, several volunteers whistled and cheered.

Bryce Swartz, of Norton, Ohio, had a huge cheering section, with 19 supporters lined up to watch him zip past. Each had a Super Kids T-shirt with their relationship to Bryce displayed on the back, such as “Bryce’s mom,” “Bryce’s grandpa,” and “Bryce’s niece.”

A cadre of volunteers helped to put on the race, including several at the finish line who applauded the racers and helped them get out of their cars.

Nancy Roberts, a volunteer from Streetsboro, Ohio, jokingly said she felt like the Grim Reaper because her job was to give medals to the kids who had been eliminated.

“The kids are great,” said Roberts, whose father and daughter both raced in the Derby. “They don’t care if they win or lose.”