SIDNEY — This year’s Ohio Kiwanis First Family Project, the Amtryke Project, offers an opportunity to address needs in the local community.

The National Ambucs Organization’s primary goal is to promote independence by providing therapeutic tricycles, called Amtrykes, to children and adults with disabilities, including Veterans returning home.

Tuesday at the Kiwanis Ohio District Division 3 Council Meeting, a six-year-old Sidney girl received one of these tricycles.

The Amtryke, usually provided free of charge to the individual, was given to Rozlyn Abbott, daughter of Anne and Matthew Abbott.

The cost of the Amtryke correlates to the specific needs of the recipient and ranges from $400 to $1,500. An ongoing “wish list” of local individuals who would benefit from an Amtryke is kept and as funds are secured, Amtrykes are purchased, built and distributed.

Candidates for an Amtryke are evaluated by a therapist and fitted to their specific needs. As the child grows, the Amtryke will be adapted or fitted with the next model size.

Amtrykes provide a variety of benefits to the recipient. Active and passive therapies strengthen both upper and lower muscles. Amtrykes also provide a means of mobility for the rider. But the most significant benefit to the individual is the social ability to interact with peers, helping to promote family activities, establish friendships and expand independence for the rider.

The Kiwanis Club will be gifting an additional AmTryke within the next few months.

Donations can be made through the ODKF.org. Additional information is available at: ambucs.org.

Rozlyn Abbott, center, 6, of Sidney, gets strapped onto a specially modified bike by Ohio District Kiwanis Governor Amy Zimmerman, left, of Cincinnati, and Occupational Therapist Stephanie Buehler, of Botkins, as Rozlyn’s mother, left, back, Anne Abbott, and brother Rylen Abbott, 10, look on at the Moose Club Tuesday, June 7. Rozlyn was given the bike by Kiwanis at the start of a meeting. The motivation for the gift is that Rozlyn has been physically unable to ride a standard bike due to physical issues. Buehler was involved in making sure the bike was modified specifically for Rozlyn’s body. Rozlyn and Rylen are both the children of Anne and Matthew Abbott.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/06/web1_SDN060816NewBike.jpgRozlyn Abbott, center, 6, of Sidney, gets strapped onto a specially modified bike by Ohio District Kiwanis Governor Amy Zimmerman, left, of Cincinnati, and Occupational Therapist Stephanie Buehler, of Botkins, as Rozlyn’s mother, left, back, Anne Abbott, and brother Rylen Abbott, 10, look on at the Moose Club Tuesday, June 7. Rozlyn was given the bike by Kiwanis at the start of a meeting. The motivation for the gift is that Rozlyn has been physically unable to ride a standard bike due to physical issues. Buehler was involved in making sure the bike was modified specifically for Rozlyn’s body. Rozlyn and Rylen are both the children of Anne and Matthew Abbott.