Speeding for Huntington research

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This article was published 25/08/2017 (3034 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are still spots available to race go-karts around the track for the Huntington Society of Canada.

The 22nd annual Indy Go-Kart Challenge for Huntington Disease takes place on Sun., Sept. 10 at Thunder Rapids Amusement Park (5058 Portage Ave.) in Headingley with heats starting at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Huntington Society of Canada Manitoba Chapter member and event organizer Vern Barrett said a few people can still sign up for the 11 a.m. race. Children must be 10 years old and 52 inches tall to drive a go-kart, but can ride in a buddy kart with a parent driving.

In 2016, about two hundred people participated with more cheering them on. The registration cost for each team of up to six people is $360 and racers can raise more money through pledges. Barrett estimates that over $500,000 has been raised for Huntington disease research in the event’s 21 years.

“It’s been a very successful event,” Barrett said. “I’d like to raise $25,000 this year.”

Huntington disease is a debilitating brain disorder that is fatal and incurable. About one in every 7,000 Canadians has Huntington disease and approximately one in every 5,500 is at-risk of developing the disease.

Barrett said if a person has a parent with Huntington disease the odds of it being passed down are 50/50.

He said clinical trials are underway using drugs, supplements and spinal injections to treat Huntington disease patients.

“It’s an exciting time,” he said, adding that breakthroughs in effective treatment are close.

Since it opened in 1997 Thunder Rapids has hosted the event, and Barrett said the support of owners Verna and Roy McGuckin has been wonderful. Many of the racers and volunteers also come out to Headingley each year.

“We have a very loyal following.”

For more information on Huntington disease, see www.huntingtonsociety.ca

To register for the Indy Go-Kart Challenge, call Barrett at (204) 694-1779 or email to vbarrett@mts.net

— Staff