Riley Stevens of Navarre is the winner of the 2026 Freedom Concepts, Inc. Adaptive Trike Essay Contest, Mission Alpha announced following this year’s Northwest Florida Expo for Disabilities and Exceptional Needs, or EDEN, in Fort Walton Beach.
- The contest, held for the second consecutive year through a partnership between Mission Alpha and Freedom Concepts, gave one EDEN attendee the chance to receive a fully customized adaptive trike.
Freedom Concepts selected Riley from regional submissions based on his story, resilience and desire for greater independence, according to Mission Alpha.
Adaptive trikes from Freedom Concepts are valued at about $8,000 and are not covered by most health insurance policies, putting them out of reach for many families.
Freedom Concepts engineered a custom-built trike to fit Riley’s mobility needs. His family said they are especially excited to cruise neighborhood sidewalks with friends and to join the local Special Olympics cycling team this winter.
The 2026 EDEN Expo drew more than 800 attendees and featured 60 organizations serving the disability community, along with a day of inclusive family activities at the Rigdon Center in Fort Walton Beach. The event has grown into Northwest Florida’s leading expo for disability resources, adaptive technology and community connection.
The next EDEN Expo is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, in Fort Walton Beach.
