Autism Challenge Planned for Later This Month
April is Autism Awareness Month and the Aroostook Autism Support Group is wrapping up the month with a large community event on Saturday, April 29, at Presque Isle Middle School.
“This community event will include our 4th annual Autism Challenge 5K and Kids Fun Run, but it has been expanded to offer more for the whole family,” says Lisa Brewer, co-founder of AASG. "We really wanted to create a festive atmosphere with lots of things happening as we celebrate and raise awareness for autism, which impacts many families in Aroostook County.”
The 1 Mile Kids Fun Run gets underway at 9:30 a.m.; children will run four laps around the track at PIMS. The cost to take part is $10, with all kids who compete earning a medal and Autism Challenge t-shirts for the first 25 to register. Runners and walkers will start at 10:00 a.m. from PIMS for a 5K course around the Presque Isle Industrial Park and ending back at the school. This is a non-timed event with a medal for all who compete. Awards will also be presented to the first male and female finishers, the oldest and youngest finishers, the best photo finish and the best dressed. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 to register; the cost of registration is $20.
Online preregistration for Autism Challenge 5K and the Kids Fun Run is encouraged at runsignup.com. Event day registrations are also welcome. Registration for both activities starts at 8:15 a.m. in the school gym. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Aroostook Autism Support Group.
Added to this year’s event is the Kids Safety Fair which AASG has held in the fall in years past. First responders from several organizations, including Border Patrol, Crown Ambulance, the Aroostook County Sherriff’s Office, Maine State Police, Presque Isle Police Department, the Presque Isle Fire Department, and the Maine Warden Service will be on hand and in uniform, along with their vehicles. Not only do children have a chance to meet the first responders, but they can climb into vehicles, explore equipment and learn more about the tools of the trade.
The Kids Safety Fair takes place from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. This event is free and open to the public. In addition to the emergency responders, various agencies will also be on hand with displays and information about programming and services offered.
Founded in 2013, the purpose of Aroostook Autism Support Group is to provide support to individuals and their families affected by autism. AASG aims to promote education and awareness to build a community that offers both hope and acceptance to all in need. The Autism Challenge is one way that the group raises money to help support their efforts throughout the year.
This information was submitted to us as part of a press release. If you would like to share your community news or event with our audience, please email newspi@townsquaremedia.com.
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