On Saturday November 5th at 8:00 a.m. Special Olympics athletes, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will grace the campus of Nova Southeastern University, to run alongside members of the community in the 11th annual Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Run/Walk. This USATF certified race will showcase everyone participating as equals. There will also be a Carnival of Champions celebrating everyone’s accomplishments and honoring Special Olympics Athletes of Broward County.
In Broward County, these 4200 plus athletes are active on a year round basis, participating in 23 different sports. Through sports training and competition, athletes develop physically, socially and psychologically. In Broward County alone, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are between 44,162 and 52,994 residents with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics strives to reach as many of these individuals as possible. This race is one way that Special Olympics fund these growing programs for its athletes. All proceeds of the event will benefit Special Olympics Florida – Broward County.
Registration is available online at www.sallarulosraceforchampions.org. The event is free for students and faculty, participants can also form teams, which is strongly encouraged. All registrants will receive a free t-shirt, gift bag, and medal and enjoy post-event refreshments and entertainment at the Carnival of Champions. Medal are also given for the fastest runner by age and gender.
Race founder Paul Sallarulo states “This race has been the major funding source for the Special Olympics Program which serves more and more athletes with special challenges every year. We want everyone to join us for breakfast and lunch, enjoy the entertainment and special guests and see the accomplishments of our Special Olympics athletes.”
This event is made possible due to the generosity of numerous sponsors who include: Danto Builders; Broward Health; The Harry T. Mangurian, JR Foundation Inc.; Memorial Healthcare Systems; Krause Family Foundation; I. Lorraine Thomas; Mass Mutual – Special Care; A.J. Nassar & Michelle Pearson; Alvarez & Marsal; Ronald G. Assaf; Ortho-Cares Orthopedic Group; Nova Southeastern University; Chris Oscelo/ Seminole Tribe of Florida; Hemsworth Communications; Archdiocese of Miami; Centennial Bank; Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc; JWR Construction Services; Freshpoint; ACAI Associates; Magic Leap; C.Davis Electric; The Giving Tree; Alfred & Phyllis Thomas Family Foundation; Fiori Financial Group; FPL; Gallo Herbert Architects; NSU- Health Professions Division; NSU- College of Business; Shirley Gallager; Commisioner Timothy Ryan Campaign; Donna Lipka; E-Trade; John W. Henry Foundation; JD Backhoe; Karen Marsal; Rose Miniaci; Panza, Maurer & Maynard, PA; Paul & Ann Marie Lundmark; Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink; Symphony of the Americas; Barry & Judy Silverman Foundation; Gold Coast; Broward County Sheriff’s Office; J. Kenneth Tate; Thomasina Caporella; Albert Enterprises; Michael Nessim; Circles Enterprises; Ardor Health; .
For more information on how to sign up, please contact Steven Stepniewski or email at sstepniewski@specialolympicsbroward.org.