2008 San Diego Race for Autism - Join Team DiscoverSD

Everyday we all submit to the self-serving race of life, why not participate in a race that seeks to benefit over five thousand San Diegans and beyond?

This Race with a purpose is the brainchild of NFAR founders Juan and Sharon Leon and has been an increasing success every passing year, attracting over 2,500 participants from the Southern California region.

This uplifting event raises money for NFAR's two grant initiatives, the Pilot Project/ Community Program Grants and the San Diego Autism Teacher's Grants. These grants distribute funds to programs that support Autism research, treatments, early detection and intervention, training courses for paraprofessionals, outreach to underserved populations, and the proliferation of educational materials, equipment and technology.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder of the brain that hinders a child's verbal and nonverbal communication skills and ability to maintain normal social interactions. Affecting approximately 5 out of every 1,000 American children, Autism is the fastest growing common childhood condition in the United States and can impose significant physical, emotional, and financial strains on families. Fortunately, many Autism related symptoms are treatable, but outcomes are substantially enhanced the earlier the detection and intervention. Getting information and treatment to overwhelmed families caring for an Autistic child takes an enormous effort.

It is because of the commitment from organizations like NFAR that great strides have been made to mitigate Autistic disabilities and improve the lives of those living with the condition and their loved ones. Since its inception in 2005, NFAR has proudly awarded over 96 grants totaling $144,000 to the San Diego community. Further progress can be achieved by way of the Race for Autism, which is an enjoyable means to helping better the outlook for a person with Autism so that they can become productive members of society.

To optimize the success of the Race, NFAR entices benefactors with a fun-filled day of outdoor activities complete with music from two local radio stations, SOPHIE 103.7 FM and KyXy 96.5 FM, great food and an informative resource fair that educates and raises Autism awareness. Above all, one can expect to experience a sense of real community cohesiveness with the participation of many local organizations like the Girl Scouts and the San Diego Aquatic Club.

Visitors and participants can also look forward to seeing remarkable supporters and particularly inspirational groups of devout racers. In years past, groups like Team Don Don, consisting of twenty-five altruistic individuals, traveled all the way from Honolulu to race for Donovan, a six-year-old living with Autism. The Race's largest team to date, Team Toby, rounded up forty family members, friends, teachers and coworkers to lovingly support five-year-old Toby with Autism. In 2005, the San Diego Special Olympic Skate Team came to walk the 5K right after finishing as finalists in their event. Overall, the Race attracts an array of outstanding members of the community.

All who register will receive a commemorative t-shirt and goodie bag and children under 12 will get medals. There will be prizes for the male and female race finalists and the top three fundraisers can expect to receive a weekend spa and golf getaway at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Most importantly, all people involved will attain the ultimate prize - the satisfaction associated with doing something selfless and beneficial for the community.

How to Get Involved

Partaking in this cause is easy and can include running, walking, donating, sponsoring or volunteering. Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for children, and increases by $5 respectively, after March 22nd. On the day of the race, check-in starts at 7:00 am, followed by the resource fair, which will begin at 7:30. The 5K timed run commences promptly at 8:30 am, the 5K fun walk/run will proceed at 8:35, and the 1 mile family fun walk takes off at 9:00.

Join the DiscoverSD Team and make a difference in the 2008 San Diego Race for Autism - click here to join.

If you can't make it to the Race but still want to support the cause, NFAR welcomes volunteers year round to help fundraise, organize events, and mange everyday operations. To learn more and view photos visit www.raceforautism.org.