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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Nearly $95,000 Raised for Special Olympics Florida at Labor Day’s Joe Jonas iWin 5K Fun Run/Walk at NSU
650 Fans Converge on Nova Southeastern University
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – More than 650 Jonas Brothers and Special Olympics fans raised nearly $95,000 for Special Olympics Florida on Labor Day (Mon. Sept. 6) at the Joe Jonas iWin 5K Fun Run/Walk, held on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Davie.
Joe Jonas
The Labor Day run is just one of several unique family events that Joe Jonas and his own Change for the Children Foundation is hosting across the country to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.
The Fun Run/Walk featured a family-friendly 5K and 1K option, followed by a ceremony with special guests including Anthony Shriver, son of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Joining Joe was his brother Nick Jonas, as well as several members of the Jonas Brothers tour group. Top fundraisers received awards presented by Joe Jonas himself.
Joe Jonas was joined by members of his band and road crew, as well as his brother Nick, at the run.
At the top of the fundraising list was Hannah Zegel, 20, of Loxahatchee in Palm Beach, FL. The Special Olympics athlete raised $12,000 and got to meet Joe. Ivy’s Wish Team also raised $7,000 in memory of Special Olympics Broward County athlete Ivy McMahon, who passed away just one week before realizing her dream of getting to meet Joe Jonas.
Proceeds from this event benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida, which includes the athletes of Special Olympics Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, and Broward County. NSU is home to the Special Olympics Broward County chapter, which is the only chapter in the nation to be housed at a private university.
The funds raised at the race will help give these Special Olympics chapters the ability to continue to provide FREE year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
For more information, please visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
- Joe Jonas with Hannah Zegel (right), a Special Olympics athlete and the event’s top fundraiser.
About Special Olympics Florida: Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition to 15,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, friendships, and the life skills necessary to be respected and contributing members of their communities. For more information visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org
About Special Olympics Broward County (SOBC): SOBC provides sports training and Olympic-style competition to almost 800 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 22 sports, through the support of more than 40 Broward training programs. Through successful sports training and competition, Special Olympics athletes develop physically, socially, and psychologically. The positive experiences the athletes have in ongoing Special Olympics programs builds confidence and self-image, which carries into all aspects of their lives. For more information visit www.specialolympicsbroward.org.
Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 (office), 954-873-8494 (cell), andrali@nova.edu