The GFWC Grundy Woman’s Club is sponsoring the fifth annual Buchanan County Autism Awareness 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, April 20 at Bull Creek Trail in Harman.
Proceeds will sponsor free YMCA swim lessons for persons with autism in the region and other autism-related services in Buchanan County.
Pre-registration is $15, due by April 10, and guarantees the participant an event t-shirt. Race day registration will be $20. A copy of the pre-registration form can be found below:
On the day of the race, participants may register or sign in at the trailhead on State Route 601 at Convict Hollow (Maxie), starting at 9 a.m. and the walk/run will begin at 10 a.m. Restrooms will be open at the Head Start Building. Water will be provided along the trail.
Special recognition will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers in the categories of 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-59 and 60 plus. The overall male and female winner of the event will receive free entry in next year’s race.
Particularly, in April, the club hopes to draw attention and awareness to autism, a complex disorder of brain development that affects 1 in 59 American children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those affected vary widely in symptoms, barely noticeable in one person and severely impacting another.
Autism can be associated with intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues, such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Around 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal. Others have exceptional verbal skills and extensive vocabularies, and some excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Mail registration and payment to: P.O. Box 1194, Vansant, VA 24656 or drop off with any Grundy Woman’s Club member. Checks may be made payable to Grundy Woman’s Club.
Visit the club’s website at www.gfwcgrundywomansclub.com, go to the club Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gfwcgrundywomansclub, or call Club President JoBeth Wampler at 540-250-6294 for more information or to find a clubwoman near you.
