SPECIAL OLYMPICS MASSACHUSETTS NAMED OFFICIAL FUNDRAISING PARTNER OF
APRIL’S B.A.A. 5K
Special Olympics Massachusetts to field team of fundraisers
surrounding the B.A.A. 5K
BOSTON, Mass. – The Boston
Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Special Olympics
Massachusetts has been named the Official Fundraising Partner of the B.A.A. 5K.
Using the power of sport to bring people together, Special Olympics
Massachusetts will feature a fundraising team at next year’s B.A.A. 5K, to be
held on Saturday, April 18 – two days prior to the 124th running of
the Boston Marathon.
First run in 2009, the B.A.A.
5K annually features 10,000 participants from around the globe running through
Boston’s Back Bay neighborhoods, starting and finishing at Boston Common. It is
the first race of the B.A.A. Distance Medley, a three-race series which
includes the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and B.A.A. Half Marathon.
“We are delighted to welcome
Special Olympics Massachusetts into the B.A.A. family, and look forward to a
meaningful partnership surrounding our B.A.A. 5K,” said Tom Grilk, Chief
Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “Special Olympics provides the opportunity for
so many to experience the benefits of active lifestyles and the thrill of
athletic competition – two virtues that are on full display at the B.A.A. 5K.”
As
Official Fundraising Partner, Special Olympics Massachusetts will feature a
team of 100 runners fundraising through the B.A.A. 5K. Runners who commit to fundraise for Special Olympics Massachusetts will
be official members of their Xtra Mile team – training, fundraising and
Experiencing Inclusion leading up to and throughout race weekend. Xtra
Mile team members will receive exclusive gear, VIP engagement opportunities,
and more.
“Special
Olympics is so proud to be counted among the partners of the Boston Athletic
Association,” said Mary Beth McMahon, President & CEO of Special Olympics
Massachusetts. “The clear synergy of our organizational missions makes this a
no brainer. We cannot wait to see Special Olympics athletes and supporters on
the course of the B.A.A. 5K. The funds raised through this incredible
partnership are critical to the growth of our organization. We’re excited to
see what the future holds.”
As a
leader in providing inclusive sports and athletic competition and training
across the commonwealth, Special Olympics Massachusetts uses the power of
sports to bring people together. Special Olympics Massachusetts believes that
everyone, regardless if they have an intellectual disability or not, deserves
to be a fully included member of their community. When given the opportunity to
succeed, athletes with intellectual disabilities have the power to change
perceptions in all aspects of life.
Special
Olympics provides opportunities for individuals to participate in athletic
programming from the time they are two years old through adulthood. In
addition to sport-specific training, Special Olympics offers fitness training
in conjunction with partners throughout Massachusetts to help ensure athletes
of all abilities are given the opportunity to get and stay fit.
The B.A.A. 5K annually serves
as a kick-off to Boston Marathon weekend. More than 75,000 athletes have
finished the B.A.A. 5K since its inception in 2009, including participants from
83 countries and all 50 states in 2019. Registration for the B.A.A. 5K will
open on January 15 at www.baa.org.
The B.A.A. 5K welcomes
athletes of all abilities to experience the joy of racing on Boston Marathon
weekend. The race route starts on Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common and
the Boston Public Garden, runs along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, up Hereford
Street and down Boylston Street before crossing the Boston Marathon finish line
en route to the finish on Charles Street.
For more information about
the B.A.A. 5K, please visit www.baa.org.
