VIRTUAL Best Buddies 5K

A Guest Post, Contributed by Cam Marshall

My name is Cam Marshall and I have teamed up with Positive Tracks to bring community to YOU!

After nearly six weeks of social distancing, it has become clear the immeasurable value of community. The news can be daunting during times like this, but the POWER OF COMMUNITY has become increasingly apparent in light of COVID-19. During my time at home, I have reflected upon the invaluable experiences I have had in my community. And with that, isolation and physical distancing have presented challenges for all of us. Maybe you have been stuck feeling alone and/or scared. I am here to remind you that we are in this TOGETHER!

Isolation and physical distancing may be new to some of us, but it has posed a challenges for some of our community’s vital members for quite some time. Because of this, I am organizing this event to support Best Buddies, which is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please join me mobilizing to support those presented with the challenge of isolation.

Here is how it works:

WHAT: Run, Walk, Hike or Ride a Virtual 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (or any distance of your choosing)

WHO: Anyone & EVERYONE! (distanced according to CDC guidelines, please)

DATE: May 31st, 12:00PM EST

LOCATION: Anywhere!

COST: $10 per person – Go here to donate and support Best Buddies:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fstr4-run-with-a-buddy-5k?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Of course additional donations are encouraged!

TO DO:

• SHARE A PHOTO OR VIDEO from your run, whether it’s via Instagram, Facebook or email. Please use the hashtags #run4buddies and #positivetracks

• TAG: Please tag @bestbuddies, @bestbuddiesunh and my partner, @postracks, so they can share and cheer us on!

• SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS! We want to get as many participants as possible because it will result in more funds for Best Buddies and a stronger sense of COMMUNITY! Feel free to share with any networks you may have – we want everyone to know!

• DONATE: If you are looking to get involved, but can’t participate, please consider donating here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fstr4-run-with-a-buddy-5k?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

MOVING FORWARD:

Please take a moment to fill out the form below to participate.

Click HERE to fill out the form

Then Utilize the link above for the GoFundMe page, print your bib, and SHARE pictures and videos come May 31st.

The Run with a Buddy 5K is meant to raise awareness around isolation and physical distancing, so run with a buddy from home, but keep in mind social distancing guidelines when participating!

BEST BUDDIES INFORMATION

Individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their loved ones have long tried to combat this challenge. Employment, friendship and leadership development opportunities are not always available to those impacted by IDD. Now more than ever, addressing these challenges is critical. Programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

To read more about Best Buddies International, follow this link:
https://www.bestbuddies.org

I would also like thank the INCREDIBLE Positive Tracks for being my partner. Positive Tracks is a national non-profit that empowers youth to create change for causes they are passionate about utilizing sport as a platform. They call it SWEATING FOR GOOD! I want to thank Positive tracks for their coaching and continual support with everything from getting started to launching events and for matching up to $100 that I raise. Interested? Feel free to reach out if you are looking to host your own active event for a cause or organization you care about and I am happy to put you in touch with Positive Tracks.

Check out their website at: http://www.positivetracks.org