'A celebration of who they are': Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games readies for 4th year

Brian Novak says forming meaningful relationships and getting excited about things can be difficult for his 16-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is moderately autistic.

But the Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games in Lower Burrell is something Sydney gets excited about days before and after the event.

“Those are memories I have I never thought she’d be a part of,” said Novak of Upper Burrell. “It’s a celebration of who they are.”

The fourth annual Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games returns to K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell from noon to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 30.

The day features activities including cornhole, an obstacle course, soccer and more.

People ages 5 to 21 with special needs are invited to participate, said Courtney Kobelenske, event organizer. There is no need to register, she said.

“Everybody is allowed to come, and the biggest thing is, it’s free,” said Kobelenske of Lower Burrell.

Kobelenske said she started the Alle-Kiski Inclusion games because she saw a lack of activities for children with special needs. Her daughter, Cora, is on the autism spectrum and suffers from muscular issues that prevent her from participating in many activities.

Cora graduated from Burrell High School last spring and will attend Duquesne University in the fall. She works at Hair in the Square in New Kensington.

“I want the kids to have a great time,” Kobelenske said. “When they’re there, they’re happy, smiling and laughing. They’re enjoying being with other kids.

“The flip side is, the mainstream kids and adults volunteering come and they say, ‘Oh, these kids are just like the other kids.’ I think that’s why there’s so many volunteers. Everybody’s equal.”

Student-athletes from Burrell High School and other members of the community volunteered last year. There were more than 60 participants.

Mogie’s Irish Pub will be donating drinks, Kobelenske said.

“It’s so much more than just playing sports,” she said. “It’s a good time to bond and make friends.”

To Brian Novak, the games provide an outlet his daughter can call her own. She’s able to feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.

“It’s a time where we can sit back and enjoy her having fun,” he said.