Flyswatters, Frisbees and Teamwork Fuel ACRES Amazing Race at Tussey Mountain

Putt-Putt golf with flyswatters to help neurodivergent adults in Centre County

Sounds like a Mad Libs entry, but that’s exactly what played out Sunday at Tussey Mountain during the fourth annual ACRES Amazing Race.

Fifteen teams turned out for an afternoon of unconventional challenges — carrying water with upside-down frisbees, a “floor is lava” basket shuffle and the fan-favorite flyswatter golf. The event supported ACRES Project and its mission to build a community that bridges gaps in services for neurodivergent people through social, educational and vocational programs.

When the scores were tallied, winners were crowned in both divisions:

• Teams of 2: Omega Alpha Phi (1st, 135 points), BroDex (2nd, 130), Turtle Legs (3rd, 123).
• Teams of 4: Nat’s Crew (1st, 132), Hummingbird ABA Therapy (2nd, 123.5), New Story Team 1 (3rd, 122).

The top fundraising honor went to Jake’s Team, which brought in an impressive $2,743.27, earning them a weeklong stay in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

ACRES artisans sold handmade soaps, embroidery, jewelry and plants at a booth on the patio. Biscuit Jam and Area 38 kept the music going while volunteers, families and sponsors filled the terrace.

Sponsors included Hummingbird ABA Therapy, Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS®, New Story Schools, PBCI-Allen Mechanical & Electrical, PENOCO, Northwestern Mutual, Merrill, Calvary Church, America’s Carpet Outlet, Peno Engineering LLC, Lisa Brown, College Gardens LLC and several local families.

For Operation Manager Kya Gresh, the challenges were designed to be as much about cooperation as competition.

“Most of our stuff is either them appointing one person to team up against somebody else from another team, or them working all together to accomplish the challenge,” Gresh said.

The day came down to one thing: overcoming obstacles and working together to accomplish something greater.

“We thought it really fit our mission because there were challenges that were incorporated into the Amazing Race, and the individuals that we work with have challenges in their everyday lives,” said ACRES Executive Director Bellamarie Bregar.