Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Clare Murphy and Ashton Butler help Clayton March at the Youth Challenge in Sutherland Park.

There were plenty of activities on display yesterday at Sutherland Park, for the Community Recreational Initiatives Society’s third annual Youth Challenge.

CRIS is a non-profit group that uses adaptive equipment to allow people with disabilities to enjoy nature in the Okanagan.

The Youth Challenge involved scavenger hunts, kayaking, biking and hiking for disabled youth in the Okanagan.

“We’re empowering youth with disabilities and we unite as a team and break down those barriers,” said Clare Murphy, a CRIS worker at the event.

Clayton March began using the services provided by CRIS when it first was developed in 2001. He now sits on the board of directors.

“CRIS has had a huge impact on my life,” said March. “It’s allowed me to do a ton of things that I wouldn’t have gotten to do otherwise.”

These things include hiking in Kananaskis, a trip to Broken Group Islands and a hiking trip coming up in the fall at Robson Mountain.

“It’s allowed me to meet tons of amazing people and make a lot of great friends,” March said. “It’s allowed me to gain a lot of skills and self confidence.”

Many people in the Okanagan use the services provided by the society.

“Some of our participants come out on a regular basis, say weekly, and some might come out once every couple of years,” said Ashton Butler, another employee with CRIS.

The organization only has three full time employees, and a few summer student employees.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, we would not be able to do this without the volunteers we get out on trips,” said Murphy.