Trending
ELKINS -- After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center's annual 5K race will be making a triumphant return on Friday.
This year's race, billed as the "Light the Night 5K," will get underway at 6:30 p.m., beginning at Riverbend Park. In-person registration will take place in the park's large pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
"We haven't been able to have the race for the past couple of years because of COVID," Denise Campbell, who is an organizer of the event along with Josette Batsinakos and Brittany Small, told The Inter-Mountain.
The event is for all ages and competitors can either walk or run the course. There is a registration fee and t-shirts will be handed out to those taking part in the race. There are a limited amount of t-shirts so they will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All proceeds from the 5K go to the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center, which is located at 200 Weese Street Extension on the site of the old Darby School. The center sits on 100 acres of land and offers an array of activities and programs for children and their families.
"We do a lot of programs at the center for children and families with autism," Campbell said. "One of our programs has to do with gardening where the kids grow things from seeds and then actually harvest them, cook them and eat them. We also have events and parties for the holidays, and we have therapists at the facility to provide services for children and families."
Sponsors for the 5K include: Seven Performance, Q&A Associates, Cabin Mountain Living Center, Advanced Hearing Solutions, Saddles and Smiles, Davis Health Systems, Studio MK, Davis & Elkins College, Dr. Johanna Biola, Valentine Assisted Living, Mrs. Joseph DeCourten, Josette Batsinakos and Elkins Parks and Recreation.
"We are so happy to have the support of the community," Campbell said. "We are so thankful to our sponsors because they are the ones that make the race possible."
In 1970, the Autism Society launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness. In 1972 the effort evolved into Autism Awareness for the month of April and has been recognized ever since. Last year the Autism Society of America announced that it was formally shifting references of "Autism Awareness Month" to "Autism Acceptance Month."
"Our goal is to bring awareness to our community, and acceptance and understanding for those individuals with autism and their families," Campbell said. "Because autism doesn't take a break, it's 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So we encourage everyone to come out and support a cause that is very important.
"Our son Logan is now 19-years-old and it was 16 years ago he was diagnosed with autism and it's changed our world. So we encourage everyone to come out and support a cause that is very important to many families."