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Rep. Galonski Recognizes Statewide Champions for the All-American Soap Box Derby

June 15, 2023
Tavia Galonski News

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) yesterday recognized 141 champions from the All-American Soap Box Derby, which first began in 1934 and takes place in Akron each year. The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) is the recognized governing body of Soap Box Derby racing, and includes the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby and the Gravity Racing Challenge. Since April of 2023, the All-American Soap Box Derby has been designated the state of Ohio’s official gravity racing program.

Representing communities from throughout the state, the honorees included Ohio Local and Rally Champions who competed in the 84th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship and Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Champions from Barberton High School, the Bridges School, Louisville High School, and Austintown Middle School. Also recognized were champions from the National Super Kids Classic, which is an opportunity for children with physical and intellectual disabilities to partake in the Derby races. 

“It was a pleasure to celebrate our Soap Box Derby champions from all across the state of Ohio yesterday at the Statehouse,” said Rep. Galonski. “This was a fun-filled opportunity for champions and their families to visit Columbus and be recognized for their impressive accomplishments. I am grateful to Senator Vernon Sykes, who presided over the recognition event with me, and to our colleagues from both chambers and on both sides of the aisle who joined us to celebrate champions from their districts.”

During their Statehouse recognition event, the champions received commendations from their state legislators, the Governor, and the Ohio Secretary of State, and were recognized for their accomplishments during House session. The champions and their families also toured the Statehouse and visited the Statehouse Museum to learn more about Ohio history.

For more information about the Soap Box Derby and upcoming events throughout Ohio, visit: www.soapboxderby.org.