PEAC Fivek & Special Olympics NJ

On May 9th PEAC will be hosting a 5K to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. We are so excited for this event as it’s sure to be a fun time but will also benefit an amazing organization! ​

About Special Olympics New Jersey:
Special Olympics New Jersey began in the early 1950’s and 1960’s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly those with intellectual disabilities were treated. She saw that many children with disabilities had no place to play and decided to take action. She held a summer day camp in her own backyard for young people with disabilities. The goal was to learn what these kids could do in sports and other activities- not to dwell on what they could not do.

The now global movement was given wings by individuals who sought to expand Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s vision into their own backyard. Formal Programming in NJ began in 1969, when six participants from the Bayonne Recreation department and twelve participants from E.R. Johnstone training center in Bordentown represented NJ at the Eastern Regional Special Olympics at The University of Maryland. It was evident after that event that much improvement was needed. The athletes from the Garden State had few uniforms, little equipment and their training was lacking.

Fast forward fifty years and you will find that New Jersey has become one of the premier Special Olympics programs in the world and a leader in the Unified Sports and Young Athletes programs, as well as their own Camp Shriver that takes place each summer.

(info taken from https://www.sonj.org/about/history/) 

How you can help:
PEAC’s 5k, taking place May 9th, is set to benefit this amazing organization. Make sure you sign up to help support this wonderful organization! If running a full 5k sounds pretty daunting to you, we also have a 1 mile “Fun Run” you can take part in instead . That way you can still partake in this wonderful event and help us support this great organization! ​
​Sign up here: https://raceroster.com/events/2019/23018/peac-5k-in-may