Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Monster Jam and Magic Wheelchair surprised 9-year-old Kennedy Marples with a custom costume.
- The Sparkle Smash wheelchair costume mirrors her favorite unicorn-themed monster truck.
- Magic Wheelchair promotes inclusion and self-expression by providing free custom costumes.
SALT LAKE CITY — With the Monster Jam World Finals rolling into town this weekend, a 9‑year‑old superfan received a surprise that stole the spotlight long before engines roar at Rice‑Eccles Stadium.
Kennedy Marples, who lives with a condition that causes profound muscle weakness, relies on a wheelchair to get around. On Wednesday, Monster Jam partnered with the nonprofit Magic Wheelchair to unveil a custom Sparkle Smash wheelchair costume: a full‑scale, glittering replica of the 6‑ton unicorn‑themed truck she adores.
Her mother, Charlotte Harris, said the moment was overwhelming.
"Kennedy has inspired so much hope for people since she was born," Charlotte Harris said. "She wasn't supposed to live past 2."
The unveiling drew cheers as Kennedy rolled forward in her new ride, complete with bright colors, sculpted features and all the bragging rights of the original monster truck.
Christine Getman, executive director of Magic Wheelchair, said the collaboration was about celebrating Kennedy's personality and passion.
"Today we partnered with Monster Jam to bring a unicorn superfan's dream to life with a Magic Wheelchair: Sparkle Smash," Getman said. "We do this because we like to promote inclusion, self‑expression and celebrate the freedom that wheelchairs give us. So we dress them up, make them cool and show the world how awesome wheelchairs are."
Kayla Blood, the driver of the full‑size Sparkle Smash truck, said moments like this are even better than the competition itself.
"Just watching her drive around in her little truck is amazing," Blood said. "These are the moments that mean the most at Monster Jam."
Kennedy's family said Sparkle Smash couldn't be a more perfect fit.
"If there was one monster truck that would match Kennedy's personality, it's definitely Sparkle Smash," her mother said.
Magic Wheelchair provides custom wheelchair costumes at no cost to families. The nonprofit, led by people with disabilities, has served more than 325 families nationwide.
The Monster Jam World Finals continue through the weekend in Salt Lake City, bringing high‑flying stunts, racing championships and fan‑favorite trucks, including the original Sparkle Smash, to the stadium.
