Student group hosts 5K to raise money, awareness for Special Olympics
Students from a therapeutic recreation class incorporated several obstacles into their hosting of a 5K race Saturday to benefit Special Olympics.
About 27 participants ran through tires and balanced eggs on spoons in Finch Fieldhouse as part of the Dash for a Difference 5K.
St. Johns junior David Presocki said the run was unique as far as 5Ks go.
“(We) decided on choosing events that were not too physically demanding,” Presocki said. “We realized that many 5K races with obstacles are very difficult and our goal was more to provide an enjoyable experience than it was to challenge our participants.”
Presocki is part of a small group for his class, RPL 340: Therapeutic Recreation: Developmental Disabilities, and hosting the event was the group's final project for the course.
Presocki said all proceeds from the event were donated to the Special Olympics.
University of Michigan sophomore and St. Johns native Stephen Kay was first to finish the run. He said he likes to participate in events like Dash for a Difference.
“I've life guarded for Special Olympics events,” Kay said. “I would do it again for sure, if it was for a good cause.”
Shay Mannino was second across the finish line. The Grosse Ile senior said she signed up because the obstacles sounded like a fun twist and she wanted to donate to Special Olympics.
“I enjoyed it,” Mannino said. “I like to support Special Olympics or any type of fundraiser.”
Group member and junior Janet Fase said the class earned about $240. She said the group was able to keep the cost of the event low because the prizes they used were donated by local businesses.
To supplement the money they raised from the $15 registration fee, the group sold raffle tickets. Prizes from the raffle ranged from free pizza coupons to gift cards.
Presocki said raising money for Special Olympics is not the group's only goal.
“Our goal is to have our participants leave with a fantastic experience as well as knowledge on a topic that they might not have been aware of before," he said.
Fase said she was concerned rain might keep people away, but the sun was shining all afternoon.
“It's a perfect day,” Fase said. "I was so worried.”
