North Versailles, PA — In a heartwarming and impactful effort, parents in North Versailles have come together with the aim of fostering a love for running among children with special needs. The recently launched initiative, known as The Power of Yet, is an offshoot of Pittsburgh's own Rogue Runners community, focused on inclusivity and support for neurodivergent children, particularly those on the autism spectrum and those with visual impairments.
Igniting a Passion for Movement
The inspiration for The Power of Yet stemmed from the personal experience of Ben Diebold, a local father whose 6-year-old son, Noah, has been diagnosed with autism. "He obviously saw me doing it a lot,” said Diebold. His son’s enthusiastic cries of “I want to do it too!” marked the beginning of a journey that would result in this transformative program.
Launched on January 31, The Power of Yet is designed for children aged 4 to 12, emphasizing movement and safety over competition. The initiative strives to create an environment where children can develop a love for running without the pressures commonly associated with traditional competitive sports.
Breaking Down Barriers
Noah, who was nonverbal until last year, first showcased his running abilities during the Toddler Trot at the Pittsburgh Marathon weekend in 2024. This event marked a pivotal moment for him and other children who face challenges in typical run events. Ben Diebold, while working closely with Rick Raeder, organizer of Pittsburgh Rogue Runners, envisioned a youth division that would cater to the specific needs of neurodivergent children, fostering both movement and community.
With support from local families and members of the Rogue Runners organization, the program quickly took shape. “The response from the community was overwhelming,” shared Diebold, highlighting how members rallied to contribute to the establishment of this program.
A Focus on Safety and Inclusion
Safety is of paramount importance in the design of The Power of Yet, with parents being actively involved in creating a supportive framework. Safety measures include enclosed training spaces and personalized support for child participants, addressing potential concerns around wandering and sensory overload.
“No loud music, no whistles — we are adapting the environment to meet their needs,” Brittany Diebold, Ben’s wife and a reading specialist, explained. Each participating family fills out an intake form that focuses on understanding the child's needs without delving into personal health details, ensuring privacy and respect.
Creating Community and Building Confidence
The Power of Yet not only focuses on children but also aims to create a welcoming community for caregivers as well. Brittany Diebold envisions future partnerships with therapy providers and advocacy groups—opportunities for parents to connect while their children engage with their peers in physical activities.
The program's name, The Power of Yet, reflects the underlying belief that children with special needs may not be able to achieve certain tasks right now, but with support, they will eventually reach those milestones. "It's powerful to believe that anyone can achieve anything, no matter their ability level,” stated Ben.
Arkansas Fit for Everyone
The opening training session saw positive participation from multiple children, including Noah, emphasizing the program's mission of inclusion and adaptive activities. Well-known children’s fitness initiatives like Kids of Steel—run by P3R—serve as inspiring models for The Power of Yet. Both programs prioritize joyful movement rather than conventional measurements of sports success.
“Kids earn credit for various activities, not just running—dancing, walking, and playing all count,” noted Amy Scheuneman, Senior Director of Youth Programs at P3R.
Conclusion: Beginning of a Larger Movement
While The Power of Yet is just starting to flourish, the Diebolds are optimistic about its potential. “This is just the beginning,” Ben Diebold expressed. They aim to grow the initiative, fostering an atmosphere that inspires belief in oneself, supporting children as they discover their capabilities.
As they navigate challenges together, the mission remains clear: to create a ripple effect that fosters change in the world—starting with their community.
For those interested in joining or learning more about the program, detailed membership information is available on the Rogue Runners webpage or by contacting them directly at [email protected].
This initiative highlights not just the need for inclusivity in sports but also exemplifies the power of community support in creating positive change for families of neurodivergent children. The Diebolds’ story serves as a poignant reminder of how shared experiences can lead to collective action, impacting lives and forging bonds through the sheer joy of movement.
