Fourth Annual Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Run/Walk for Special Olympics Broward County Takes Place Feb. 15

1,000 local Special Olympics athletes to benefit from funds raised at race to be held on Nova Southeastern University’s campus

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – The fourth annual Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Run/Walk benefiting Special Olympics Broward County will be held on Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) main campus at 3301 College Ave. in Davie on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.

The race starts at 8 a.m., with registration and packet pickup from 6:15-7:55 a.m. in the Miniaci Courtyard next to the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Carl DeSantis building.

Runners and walkers of all ages will compete for prizes while raising funds for the 1,000 athletes of Special Olympics Broward County. Local Special Olympics athletes will also be on hand to cheer on runners and present medals.

The pre-registration fee is $20 and can be completed at http://splitsecondtiming.com by Friday, Feb. 13. Race-day registration is $25. Special Olympic athlete registration is free.

In Memory of a Champion of the Special Olympics Cause

The 2009 race is being held in memory of Katie Crowley, the daughter of Davie Town Councilmember Michael Crowley and his wife Heather, who passed away in September at age 19. The Crowleys have both worked hard to support Special Olympics Broward County, and are honorary board members of the group.

Katie, an alumna of Davie Elementary, Driftwood Middle and Nova High, served with the Girl Scouts, Davie Police Explorers and Nova High’s ROTC. She was also involved with Special Olympics Broward County, Boys & Girls Club and other charitable organizations.

How Race for Champions Was Born

Sallarulo’s Race for Champions was created by Paul, Patrick and Samantha Sallarulo to raise money for the Special Olympics Broward County. Paul is a member of the NSU Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Wayne H. Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Dental School – Advisory Board, and President of the International NSU Alumni Association. Paul has been a strong supporter of Special Olympics and has been working with people with special needs since he was 16 years old.

In 2006, Paul raised money for the athletes of Special Olympics Broward County by collecting donations that spurred on his personal goal of completing a half marathon in Orlando to mark his 50th birthday.

He finished the race and surpassed his fundraising goal, generating $130,000 in donations for Broward County’s Special Olympics athletes. He then wanted to create an event where the community could join him in his support of Special Olympics, so the 5K run/walk was born.

Race for Champions Progress and Goals

In three years, Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Run/Walk has raised more than $970,000 for Special Olympics Broward County. The organization hopes that through the generous support of its sponsors and supporters, it can raise another $750,000 this year.

Last year’s race raised more than $700,000 for Special Olympics Broward County, with more than 1,200 people participating in the race. Because of the community’s generous support, Special Olympics Broward County was able to start its sports complex fund with $500,000.

The Sallarulo’s Race for Champions goals include:

• Establish an annual fund-raising event to benefit Special Olympics Broward County and build a Special Olympics Broward County Sports Complex.
• Educate the Broward community that Special Olympics is a year round program.
• Share the Athlete’s gifts, skills and friendship with our community.

For more information, please call 954-486-7464 or visit www.Specialolympicsbroward.org or www.sallarulosraceforchampions.org.

Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 office, 954-873-8494 cell, andrali@nova.edu