Special Olympics Aims to Raise $5 Million for Athletes by 2012 through Sallarulo’s Race for Champions

Hundreds of Local Special Olympics athletes benefit annually from fundraisng race held on Nova Southeastern University’s campus

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – For the past six years, the South Florida community has rallied to support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the annual Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Run/Walk – raising more than $3.17 million in much-needed funds for the athletes to date.

Now, Special Olympics Broward County (SOBC), which provides FREE athletic programs to enrich the lives and improve the confidence of more than 800 local children and adults with intellectual disabilities, is aiming to reach a total of $5 million raised by the next race scheduled for Nov. 10, 2012

The funds would ensure SOBC keeps pace with South Florida’s growing special needs population. In Broward County alone, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates between 44,162 and 52,994 residents with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics strives to reach as many of these individuals and their families as possible. Through sports training and competition, Special Olympics athletes develop physically, socially and psychologically.

“We want to build on the annual success of the race, and make this our best year yet,” said Paul Sallarulo, event namesake and chair of the SOBC board. “Now’s the time to get involved and help shape the new direction of this annual tradition.”

Sallarulo said the group is looking for donor and volunteer support for the 2012 race, which was moved to the fall to coincide with SOBC’s annual volunteer appreciation picnic.

“The fall date will help Special Olympics build even more momentum and excitement leading up to the race,” Sallarulo said. “The next race will have it all: picnic games and BBQ goodies for families, information on disability services, and serious timed racing options and prizes for our competitive and professional runners.”

More than 1,000 runners and walkers participated in the most recent race held in May at Nova Southeastern University (Nova). Sallarulo said that it is fitting the race annually takes place at Nova, as the university is the permanent home of SOBC and the only chapter of Special Olympics in the nation that is housed on a private college campus.

The 2011 race was held in memory of Don Taft, who was a great friend, philanthropist, business leader, amazing supporter of the community and namesake of Nova’s Don Taft University Center.

To get involved in planning the race or to make a donation, please call 954-262-2150.

How Race for Champions Was Born: Sallarulo’s Race for Champions was created by Paul, Patrick and Samantha Sallarulo to raise money for 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 Special Olympics by collecting donations that spurred on his personal goal of completing a half marathon in Orlando to mark his 50^th birthday. He finished the race and surpassed his fundraising goal, generating $130,000 in donations. 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.

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.

About Nova Southeastern University: Located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic fully accredited Florida University dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 29,000 students and is the seventh largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. The University awards associate’s, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, specialist, and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, counseling, computer and information sciences, education, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, early childhood, psychology and other social sciences.  Classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU was also awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification in 2010 for the University’s significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement.   For more information about NSU visit www.nova.edu.

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