Families and community members will have a chance to help support people with disabilities Sunday at the third annual Fun Run, Walk and Roll.
The event will benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, and be held in Kiwanis Park from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The UCP, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities including cerebral palsy, learning disorders, autism, down syndrome and developmental delays recently opened a downtown location, in 2016 at Roosevelt and Seventh street. This will mark the first event since opening their new location.
The event, which first started in 2015, benefits the UCP, and is both family and pet friendly. Wheelchairs, strollers and wagons are permitted to allow all ages and abilities.
“We wanted to create an event where we could invite the general community and integrate our community. We also have a community expo and we wanted to educate families of the potential resources in the community,” said Veronica De La O, development director at UCP.
Pricing for the event ranges from $25 to $35 depending on age and event. The price includes the cost of the race as well as a participation medal and t-shirt.
“There is a really good sense of comradery in it,” Tempe city councilman Kolby Granville said. He has attended the event the past two years and plans to attend this year.
“It’s a really positive environment and it’s clear everyone is there for the cause,” Granville said.
Participants can take part in a 10K, 5K or 1-mile run, walk and roll beginning at 8 a.m. with registration and continuing until 11 a.m.
“Last year we were at about 76 and this year we are expecting about 500 people,” De La O said. “We’re trying to make it family friendly. If people want to bring their pets they can.” Anyone is able to participate, bring the kids and the strollers.”
More than 43 vendors will attend the event, compared to 25 last year, including Howler the Coyote and a jump castle, an arts and crafts station, food, refreshments and free access to the Health and Wellness Expo. The booth will have plenty of community resources including Raising Special Kids and Phoenix Children Hospital.
“It’s gotten a lot bigger, so we’re getting more community support,” De La O said.
Besides racing, checking out the different vendors and the Health and Wellness Expo at the event, attendees will be able to listen to speakers, such as Josh Brittain, a football coach at Tempe Prep.
“To have the opportunity to speak at this wonderful event to people with cerebral palsy and to have the opportunity to give them a boost of confidence and encouragement is nothing short of an amazing blessing,” Brittain said. “It is my prayer that my words would fall on the ears and latch to the heart of even just one individual. If I can positively encourage and affect someone who is struggling with the cards they have been dealt, then my heart will swell with joy.”
Those who would like to participate but are unable to attend can choose the virtual run option, where they can run anywhere else.
“They can run anywhere and still go online and receive their shirt and medal, while at the same time donate to the organization,” De La O said.
Contact the reporter at mnischke@asu.edu.
