Aiken residents walked the 1-mile loop around the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Saturday to celebrate and commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ADA25 Aiken Family Fun Day and Equality Walk 'N Roll, sponsored by the Walton Options for Independent Living, a nonprofit working to advance the independence of individuals with disabilities, brought together local businesses and organizations, and even sports mascot Auggie of the Augusta GreenJackets baseball team.
President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law July 26, 1990.
The act prohibits the discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communication and governmental activities.
The event brought out familiar faces that included Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh.
Cavanaugh walked around to speak with those in attendance; he also took time to try out the Walton Foundation for Independence's adaptive golf cart, which allows those with disabilities to still play golf and get around.
Cavanaugh said Saturday's event was a "special day" that was important to recognize not just Saturday, but every day.
Papa John's provided lunch during the event, and the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County set up a family fun area with a variety of games and activities.
The Tri-Development Center aids local children and adults with autism, head and spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities and related disabilities and their families.
In addition, the ADA Legacy Bus, which is currently on a cross-country tour headed to Washington, D.C., for the 25th anniversary in July, made a stop at H. Odell Weeks.
For more information about Walton Options for Independent Living, visit www.walton options.org.
Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.