Ben Spengel enjoys sports and being active, just like his younger brother, Dane. But being born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects his movements, left him with few athletic opportunities.

Ben’s condition was mainly a physical disability issue, not an intellectual one. Thus, he didn’t meet eligibility for Special Olympics, said his mother, Trish Spengel.

In 2008, the fourth-grader at Chauncey Duker School in McHenry decided to be the change he wished to see in his community. At age 10, Ben addressed the lack of athletic events offered to youths who have physical disabilities with McHenry Mayor Sue Low.

Together, they worked to establish the “Assisted Walk Challenge.” The event was held with other track and field events during the city’s Fiesta Days. The event – which featured races, relays and field sports – was open to anyone ages 6 to 14 who used crutches, walkers, canes or nonmotorized wheelchairs. A few years later, the event has expanded to include people of any age with physical or visual disabilities.

Wednesday marks the challenge’s fifth year at McCracken Field in McHenry. Instead of “Assisted Walk Challenge,” the annual event is now known as the “Run & Roll Track Meet.”

The track event from 5 to 8 p.m. at McCracken Field, 3712 W. Kane Ave. in McHenry also serves as a qualifier for the National Junior Disabilities Championships. The event also will feature Paralympic sports demonstrations and adaptive equipment for anyone to try out.

Ben, who turns 15 on Tuesday, and his mother recently met up with reporter Jane Huh to talk about the “Run & Roll Track Event.”

Huh: When did you realize there’s a lack of activities and opportunities for children who have physical disabilities?

Ben: I started to notice it while going to see my little brother play Little League baseball. Sometimes, I wouldn’t even go because I was so frustrated. It felt unfair that other kids get to play sports but I can’t.

Trish: He usually came as a spectator and would sit and watch. Little did we know, inside he was really steaming that he wasn’t able to get out there and do it. At the time, there wasn’t anything really local in McHenry County.

Huh: So did you ever share those feelings with your family back then?

Ben: Not really. I was just mad. I’m not the kind of person to talk things out.

Trish: He’s a guy, after all.

Huh: How did you bring up your proposal?

Ben: It wasn’t about my frustrations but why this needed to be done.

Huh: Why?

Ben: Because not everybody knows about (issues people with physical disabilities face) and that it would be a wonderful opportunity of sharing time with others. It’s not just about track and field events. Also this year, it’s about the lives of Paralympians as well.

Huh: How has the event evolved?

Ben: Right now, it’s going great. Just a couple years ago, I didn’t expect it to go off in this direction.

(Trish Spengel adds the event serves as an informational hub for people looking to network and gather more resources on programs for those with physical disabilities. In fact, it was through the first track event that the Spengels learned about the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, GLASA.)

Huh: Aside from the competitive events, what else will Wednesday’s event feature?

Ben: Patrick Byrne will be there. He’s bringing his gold medal and some adaptive golf clubs. Come out and you get to try out all the different adaptive sports. (Byrne was a member of the U.S. sled hockey team that won gold in the 2002 Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City. Ben bonded with Byrne over the winter while recuperating from surgery at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where Byrne works as an instructor.)

Huh: What other adaptive sports demonstrations will be at McCracken Field?

Ben: Adaptive golf, sled hockey, hand cycle, wheelchair racing and the field chair (for sports such as shot put and discus throw).

Huh: Your efforts brought a positive tradition to the community. What has “Run & Roll” brought you?

Ben: The smiles on people’s faces. Last year, I heard a dad (while watching a demonstration on adaptive sports gear) say ‘Look at this, son!’ The look on the dad’s face ... it was phenomenal.

Huh: Are there any other plans in the works for the event? A long-term vision?

Ben: Not really. Let’s see where it goes. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there as long as it continues to get support.

The Ben Spengel lowdown

Sibling: Dane, 12, brother

Hometown: McHenry

Favorite school subject: Social studies

Favorite movie you recently saw: “Moneyball”

Favorite book: “Hunger Games”

Activities and hobbies: Sled hockey, Boy Scouts Troop 131, going to movies, playing PlayStation 3

Favorite athletes: Patrick Kane, Starlin Castro

Other: Served as student council president at McHenry Middle School. This fall, he’ll be a freshman at McHenry High School West Campus.