Local girl raises money so ‘everyone can play’

By Valorie Brecht This year’s Lil’ Miss Spencerama is using her platform in a big way.

Sophia Felix, 8, daughter of Tracy and Noel Felix, has made it her mission to install an adaptive swing in every Spencer playground, so all kids can enjoy their time at the playground, regardless of if they have a disability.

“When I was running for Lil’ Miss Spencerama, one of the questions was, ‘What would you change about Spencer?’ and I said that I would put a wheelchair swing in every park, so I decided to do that,” Sophia said.

Sophia was inspired to make this change because of her brother, Noelie. Born with a rare genetic disorder known as L1 syndrome, Noelie was unable to walk or talk like other kids, and had to use a wheelchair. When Sophia, Noelie and their brother Sam would go to the playground, they quickly discovered that they couldn’t play on all the equipment together. But, at some parks, they could swing together. Noelie loved to swing.

“I always loved playing with my brother Noelie and really loved to push him on the swings. He would laugh and laugh when I did,” said Sophia.

“He was always smiling,” she added. Unfortunately, some parks had no equipment for Noelie to play on. The siblings enjoyed when their grandpa built them their own playground, which included two different swings that Noelie could use.

Sadly, Noelie passed away in 2021, but he left a big impact.

“My parents always tell me how much Noelie changed our town and views on disabilities, just by his smile. I want to change our town with my smile and by putting one swing in all the playgrounds,” Sophia said.“I want every other kid like my brother to get to play.”

The family plans to donate one adaptive swing, and Sophia is raising money for three other adaptive swings to be put in the village parks, including the ARC Park, Haslow Park and the one at the corner of Buse and Madison streets. At $896 apiece, it will cost a total of $2,688 for the three swings.

Before she could start raising money for

Please see Everyone can play, page 9

Sophia Felix of Spencer is raising money to purchase adaptive swings for all the parks in her village. She is doing so in honor of her brother, Noelie, whom she loved to play with on the playground.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO

To left is the adaptive swing seat that Sophia Felix would like to purchase for all the parks in Spencer. It has an adjustable bar to keep kids securely situated in the seat. The above QR code can be scanned to view the “Everyone Can PLAY” Facebook page with latest updates on Felix’s fundraising progress.

this project, Sophia had to receive approval from the village board, as the swings will be going on village property. She presented at the board meeting a few weeks ago, and board members were happy to give their approval.

Sophia has plans to travel to various local groups such as the Spencer’s Women’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, local businesses and the Altrusa Foundation in Marshfield to see if they would be willing to donate. She also plans to have an informational booth set up at the Spencer PTA Craft Sale Nov. 25, and to spread the word during the events she helps with as Lil’ Miss Spencerama, including Lunch with Santa and the dairy breakfast. She can see the project expanding even beyond her town.

“When I meet royalty from other towns, I could maybe help them get wheelchair swings for their towns too,” said Sophia.

This project has helped Sophia to learn how to advocate for a cause she cares about. Her mother, Tracy, said it’s been great to see.

“Her dad and I are just so proud of her for thinking of others and how she’s been shaped by her brother, and just the way she looks at life and others. She’s trying to fill a need in the community, starting with a small change, and hopefully it will make big waves,” said Tracy.

“She’s a pretty special little girl. She’s got a big heart,” agreed Sophia’s grandmother, Sally Rakovec.

Sophia has big dreams that extend beyond the three adaptive swings. She would like to raise money for a wheelchair swing platform, at a cost of $1,737, that can support a seated adult in a wheelchair; a permanent frame to support the wheelchair swing, at a cost of $3,199; and a combination play set with two different types of adaptive swings, at a cost of $1,987.

People can donate to the project by sending a check made out to “Everyone Can Play” to First Choice Credit Union, 1614 E. Fourth St., Marshfield, WI 54449; or to the Village of Spencer, P.O. Box 360, Spencer, WI 54479.

There are also donation boxes at the Spencer village office, 105. S. Park St.; and at the two school offices, 300 N. School St., Spencer.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS