Spencer Girl Raising Money for Adaptive Equipment for Parks in the Community

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 -- 9:00 AM

(Samuel Dehring, WSAW) A nine-year-old girl from Spencer is raising money for adaptive equipment for parks in her community.

According to Samuel Dehring with WSAW, Sophia Felix is a young girl with big dreams. She started this inspiring initiative to make sure everyone can do the things they love.

Sophia’s brother, Noel, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that impacted his mobility. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2021. Now, Sophia is making sure to keep her brother’s legacy thriving through an inspiring initiative in her community.

”I wanted to put a handicap swing in every park in Spencer,” said Sophia Felix. That is exactly what Sophia has been doing for the past two years. She wants every kid, like her brother, to be able to play with all kids

“Sometimes when we would go to the playground, he couldn’t play anything because there was nothing for him. I want every other kid like him to be able to play on the playground,” said Sophia Felix.

There are four swings in parks throughout Spencer. The family has been receiving grants from throughout the community to make Sophia’s dream happen.

“So our biggest grant was $10,000, and we got a $5000 one. And, so $15,000 and then the rest was just from organizations and businesses,” said Sally Rakovev, Sophia’s grandmother. These adaptive swings are not just for kids. They are for people of all ages.

“The platform swing that we put in the Lions Park in Spencer here is, is one of the only ones around. There’s not one in Wausau. There’s not one in Marshfield,” said Rakovev.

“It’s really special just to see the swing that we had at our house here at the park and available for everyone to use,” said Tracy Felix, Sophia’s mom, standing beside dad Noel.

“Very proud. Very proud moment,” said an emotional Rakovev. Sophia has a lot of support and wants people to join in. Be the inspiring change. “One small change can have a ripple effect for the greater good. I want to be my one small change,” said Sophia Felix.

The family says doing initiatives like these will hopefully open the door for them to do other inspiring things throughout their community. Now come mid-August, the family says they will be implementing a zip line at Lions Park.

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