Those with a desire for an adrenaline rush will have the opportunity to rappel down the city’s 365-foot iBank Tower this Saturday.
“Over the Edge,” will provide the first 100 people who raise a minimum of $1,000 with the chance to rappel down the tower located on 5050 Poplar Ave from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The event is sponsored by Special Olympics Tennessee, a nonprofit that helps thousands of children and adults with disabilities improve their physical fitness and sports skills, enhancing their self-confidence and social competency in the process.
“The hardest part is actually getting over the edge. Once you’re over, it’s like, ‘oh my God. I’m actually repelling down a building,’” said Lisa Taylor, director for Special Olympics of Greater Memphis. “The reception has been really great. The first year, we had about 68 rapellers. Last year, about 65 to 68 as well. This year, the goal is to increase it to 80.”
Besides raising $1,000, participants must be at least 18-years-old and weigh no more than 300 pounds.
Money raised will benefit the more than 16,000 athletes who participate with Special Olympics Tennessee.
“Children and adults with mental and physical disabilities face challenges every day, but they step outside the box and they try everything,” Taylor said. “People who participate [with Over the Edge] are not just supporting the Special Olympics, they’re stepping outside of the box and challenging themselves to do something they normally wouldn’t do. They’re facing their fears.”
There will be food and drinks for sale and music provided by DJ Keith Dinkins with Dingo Entertainment and Ken Houston of the No Hit Wonders. Participants will receive a t-shirt and goody bag.
The annual event began in 2010. For more information, contact Lisa Taylor at (901) 683-1271.
