When Whitney Ferguson co-founded the Rowdy Foundation with her husband Scott Ferguson in 2020, she knew she wanted to organize an active event that was inclusive for children with and without disabilities in the area.
She wanted to make sure she did it right, which is why she took a year to plan and host the first Rowdy Races in 2021.
“This is an event that sat with me for a long time,” Whitney told The Dispatch. “… We started it as a way to give back to the community, and it has just grown from there.”
Whitney said the Rowdy Foundation, a Columbus-based organization focused on supporting special needs inclusion across North Mississippi, is preparing to host the fourth annual Rowdy Races on Saturday at the Roger Short Soccer Complex in Columbus.
The races are free and will feature activities like inflatables, axe throwing, balance beams and a color run with two paths throughout for children with and without physical disabilities to participate in the fun.
“Along the route, we have a pathway for all types of wheels, whether it be wheelchair, wagons, strollers, and then the other side is for anyone that would prefer to use their feet,” Whitney said. “So they have two options the whole way down.”
The event had about 150 kids show up last year, and Whitney said the group expects a similar number this year with 100 already registered through the foundation’s website by Thursday afternoon.
The group is asking for participants to pre-register at getrowdy.org so organizers can have an approximate headcount, but the event also welcomes day-of participants to register starting at 9:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 10.
Rounding up support for future events
On Thursday the foundation will host its first ever Rowdy’s Round Up Tower Clay Shoot at Prairie Wildlife in West Point as the group’s primary fundraiser for the year.
The fundraiser, which had been a golf tournament the last four years, helps the organization to fund roughly 10 to 12 events every year which includes the Rowdy Races, Scott Ferguson said.
Though there isn’t a set goal for the foundation this year Scott said the hope is to get about $25,000 for the foundation.
“There’s no set goal this year with a change in an event that we’re hosting as far as a fundraiser, we know that it’s probably not going to bring what the golf tournaments would bring in the past,” Scott said.
Check-in for the event will begin at 8 a.m. with the shotgun start beginning at 9 for teams and individual participants. Registration is $250 per individual or $1,000 for a team of four and includes a lunch and an event T-shirt.
Event goers can also participate in purchase tickets for $100 to be entered into a raffle which will feature giveaways of a rifle, a turtle box and a gift certificate to Prairie Wildlife Pro Shop.
After the clay shoot the foundation will also host a cigar and bourbon hour, Whitney said.
Those looking to participate in the clay shoot can register at www.rowdysroundup.org/register or by calling (901) 870-6498.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
