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The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley (ASMV) will be hosting the fifth annual Valley Autism 5K and third annual Family Fun Walk on April 28 at Austintown Township Park, located at 600 Kirk Road in Austintown.
Registration, special needs resource fair and children’s entertainment starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K event starts at 9 a.m., followed by a 1 mile walk at 10 a.m.
Race registrations and additional event information are available at ValleyAutism5K.org or by calling 330-333-9609.
“We have dedicated ourselves to growing this already successful run into an event with broad appeal to help raise the funds needed to support families affected by autism in the region,” said Aundr a Heschmeyer, ASMV Board Vice-President.
Heschmeyer explained the autism societies role in the community is to improve the quality of life for families with broad support, activities, information and referral. Its secondary roles are to act as an advocate on their behalf by raising awareness, bringing about community change and creating opportunities for individuals working through life with this disability.
“We need the help of everyone in the Valley that can to register to run, walk or can help spread the word about our event to their friends and family in order to make this event a success,” she said.
The event will include a 5K run, 5K timed walk, 1 mile family fun walk, special needs resource fair and family entertainment.
The 5K event is a combination of trails and roads to create a unique running experience. Participants can register for the events at ValleyAutism5K.org. Medals will be awarded to the top runners in each age category, top overall male and female in 5K walk category, as well as prizes for top fundraising teams.
“We are excited to not only provide a great 5K run and walk experience, but also a great community event for our families affected by autism. There will be a DJ, bounce house, petting zoo, pony rides, Gymsters mini obstacle course, balloon artist and photo booth,” said Robin Suzelis, Board President of Autism Society of Mahoning Valley.
Event title sponsors include Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge and RAM Trucks and Greenwood Chevrolet of Austintown, Media sponsors include WFMJ and the CW and silver sponsors include Lehner Carroll Shope Capital Management, Assured Partners Consulting, Hollywood Gaming, Valley Awning and Tent, Austintown Bounce, Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center and Shannan Jursa, RICP – State Farm Agent.
For more information or to register online, go to ValleyAutism5K.org, email walk@autismmv.org or call the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley at 330-333-9609.