Successful Philadelphia Program Events' Recap!

The 30th Annual Leprechaun Run was a Wet Success

It couldn't have been any wetter for the 30th Annual Leprechaun Run, but over 500 runners and walkers braved the rain to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Philadelphia. The Leprechaun Run was held on Saturday, March 14th adjacent to the Philadelphia Art Museum and Paine’s Park.

Prior to the race, managers from the Ambler, Langhorne and Philadelphia branches of Sam’s Club presented a check to Special Olympics Pennsylvania from their fundraising efforts equaling more than $200,000!  Following the Sam’s Club’s check presentation, participants were welcomed by Philadelphia athlete Lisa Barbour, who thanked participants for coming and led the crowd in reciting the Athlete Oath.   Lisa kicked off the race and off they went!

We concluded the Leprechaun Run by presenting awards to the top overall finishers and the top male and female in various age categories.  Everyone left wet and with a smile on their face as they said farewell to the 30th annual Leprechaun Run.  Click here to view event photos courtesy of TriState Media Productions.

Spring Fling Athlete Dance

The Philadelphia Program hosted a ‘Spring Fling Athlete Dance’ on Saturday and it was a huge success!  Current athletes, potential athletes, families and friends all joined us for a few hours of dancing and fun. Organized by our Athlete Committee and supported by Peggy Barbour and Coach Kit, the dance had over 75 people in attendance.  Through a $5 door fee, the event even raised approximately $300 for the program!  It was a great opportunity for the community to connect outside of practice and competition. The athletes are excited for the next one!

The Paterno Family Island 5K Run

Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Schuylkill County is pleased to announce a new partnership with Penn State Schuylkill, The Paterno Family Island 5K Run. The Paterno family and Penn State University have a long and generous history of supporting Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. The Paterno family is expanding the reach of their annual Beaver Stadium Run by including Penn State Schuylkill as the first commonwealth campus to host a 5K on the same weekend! Schuylkill Haven Recreation Department is proud to partner with Special Olympics of Schuylkill County and Penn State Schuylkill to provide a beautiful park and course route.

Island Park, located in Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, is an ideal location where runners will start and end the race. The course route will include a brisk run through a quiet neighborhood in Schuylkill Haven. All of the money raised by participants will be used to support the Special Olympics’ Schuylkill County program.

The Paterno Family Island 5K Run will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015.  Registration for the 5K will be held from 7:30-8:30am; the race starts at 9am. Registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held from 9:00-9:30am; the Fun Run/Walk will be held following the 5K at at 10:00am.

The Penn State Nittany Lion will be in attendance and face painting will be available.  Delicious samples of Yuengling’s Ice Cream will be available.  Additionally, Healthy Haven will have an informational tent as will other community organizations.

Click here to register online for The Paterno Family Island 5K Run through Pretzel City Sports. Any questions please email islandrun5k@gmail.com or call 570-294-2423.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WARREN COUNTY HEALTH FAIR!

Cynthia Zaffuto prepares for her blood pressure screening

On February 7, 2015, at Holy Redeemer Church Gym, the Special Olympics PA - Warren County Program, with a donation from BEI, Inc., held a Health Fair for their community of athletes.  This very successful fair included Blood Pressure screenings, vital signs – pulse and respiration, Pulse Oximetry to measure oxygenation saturation, height, weight and BMI readings and blood sugar screening with a glucometer.  A Dental Hygienist was available to answer questions and provide sample products and a vision screening team was on hand to test vision.

The goal for the Warren County program was to connect athletes with the medical community and to provide information and resources about their health needs.

Lunch was provided for all.