With its signing 35 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was designed to make certain that individuals with disabilities – no matter the kind – have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

It guarantees equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, government services, and more.

For the second year, the Weirton community is coming together to celebrate that landmark law, with activities designed for everyone.

It begins Saturday morning with the Run the Distance, Embrace the Difference 5K, which will welcome participants of all mobile abilities to run, walk, or roll along a portion of the Panhandle Recreation Trail.

Registration is set at 7:30 a.m., with the race setting off at 9 a.m., with the recent completion of paving on the trail should ease the use of the trail for everyone, including those who use a wheelchair or other mobility device.

Activities will continue Monday with an art show at the Summit Art Gallery located within the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau office.

Artists of all abilities have been invited to take part, with an opportunity to speak about their work if they wish.

Tuesday will feature a matchup between local Special Olympics athletes and Weirton firefighters in a flag football game at Edwin J. Bowman Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the game at 6 p.m.

Bingo will be offered July 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the large shelter at Marland Heights Park. Organizers have noted they will use magnetic bingo cards to assist players in keeping their games organized.

A swim party is set, beginning at noon, at Tomlinson Run State Park on July 24, and a poetry night is planned from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., July 25 at the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

The observances will conclude on July 26 – the anniversary of the signing of the ADA – with a celebration event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Weirton Event Center. The event will include food and refreshments, live entertainment, and more.

We thank the City of Weirton, Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network, the Top of WV CVB, Special Olympics, and everyone else involved in planning so many inclusive activities, and showing their support for everyone in the community.