Northwest Special Families (NSF) will partner with the Northshore YMCA to host the 6th Annual CAN DO 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Walk, and Competitive 1-Mile Race April 26.
The Northshore Y will be hosting its annual Healthy Kid’s Day at the Northshore Y immediately following the race. Presented by Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry,the race takes place at Seattle Times Park’s North Creek in Bothell. Last year’s event was a great success with over 1,100 registered participants and many community teams; over $30,000 was raised to help fund NSF’s year-round programs and the Northshore Y’s Partners with Youth Campaign.
This year, 1,500 participants are expected. The CAN DO 5K brings awareness to what individuals with special needs Can Do.
“As a parent to a child with different abilities, it is important to me to show the world what people with disabilities CAN DO,” said Natalia Bynum, race director.
This is the first year for the Competitive 1-Mile Race. Coordinated by Rich Bennett of the Northshore Y, it replaces the 10K event from previous years.
“The mile is an iconic distance and resonates with the avid runner,” Bennett said. “The challenge of the mile race is not the distance but the effort involved. It really pushes you to go hard.” This chip-timed race will feature five divisions for men and women, with a course design that should make for an exciting finish.
Medals and random prize drawings will be given out to 1-Mile Race competitors. Space is limited in each division.
Participants and teams are encouraged to reach out to their communities to raise funds. Proceeds support NSF programming, such as inclusive and specialized camps, on-going education, and family support such as guest lectures. Funds also support the Northshore Y’s Partners in Youth campaign, which enables children, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, to participate in programs that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Participants can register online at www.CanDo5K.org, in person at various sponsor locations, and via mail. All donations are tax-deductible.
Northwest Special Families aims to increase opportunities for social inclusion for children with special needs and their families through support, advocacy, and education. Northwest Special Families is operated out of the Northshore Family Center, a program of the Center for Human Services, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
For additional information, visit the race website at www.CanDo5K.org or the website of Northwest Special Families at www.northshore-specialfamilies.org.
