Dutchess County hosted its first ever ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field & Fitness Day at Bowdoin Park Thursday, a day of fun activities for people of all abilities.

"ThinkDIFFERENTLY is just the realization that if we just start acknowledging that everyone has the ability to achieve success, we can break down barriers just by thinking it," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

Attendees enjoyed everything from a ring toss, soccer station, a clown and even horse therapy. Service providers were also on site to offer families information about services for people with disabilities.

"I'm looking forward to playing the game," said attendee Tiffany. "It doesn’t matter who wins, we’re just gonna try and have a little fun."

Molinaro established the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative in 2015, inspired by the challenges his family faced with his own daughter.

"ThinkDIFFERENTLY was born out of the failure of a dad. I am the proud father of four children, one of whom has and lives with an intellectual disability, and I just know that there are families all across America that understand the obstacles and challenges," said Molinaro.

Since 2015, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative has been adopted by more than 100 communities across New York State. Dutchess County is proud to lead the charge by increasing access to jobs, healthcare and parks for people with disabilities.

"We as a society need to meet people where they are, ​provide them the support that they need, for those with disabilities," said Molinaro.