Special Olympics Aims to Raise $5 Million for Athletes by 2013

(Photo caption: Special Olympics Broward County athletes lead a dance celebration after completing the 2012 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions.)

For the past seven 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 Florida Broward County which provides FREE athletic programs to enrich the lives and improve the confidence of more than 1,100 local children and adults with intellectual disabilities, is aiming to reach a total of $5 million raised by the next race scheduled for November 10, 2013 and hosted at NSU.

The funds would ensure Special Olympics Florida Broward County 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, athletes develop physically, socially and psychologically.

“Sallarulo’s Race for Champions was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a chance, an opportunity to live a fulfilled life. The race not only raises funds for Special Olympics, but raises awareness by promoting inclusion and acceptance,” said Paul Sallarulo, event namesake and chair of the Special Olympics Florida Broward County Management Team. “We want to build on the annual success of the race, and make 2013 our best year yet,” he added.

The race is Special Olympics Florida Broward County’s largest community event of the year and provides much of the funding needed to operate the programs. Sallarulo said the group is currently seeking donor and volunteer support for the 2013 race.

More than 1,200 runners and walkers participated in the most recent race held in November at NSU. Sallarulo said that it is fitting the race annually takes place at NSU, as the university is the permanent home of Special Olympics Florida Broward County and the only chapter of Special Olympics in the nation that is housed on a private college campus.

The 2012 race which raised more than $200,000 for Special Olympics Florida Broward County, was held in memory of Gerianne Ingraham, Nick Navarro and Kaye Stephens, and featured a family-friendly carnival atmosphere. The race was also an official part of NSU’s annual Homecoming festivities, attracting many student supporters of the Special Olympics cause.

To get involved in planning the 2013 race or to make a donation, please call 954-262-2150.

Sponsors of the 2012 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions included:

Inspirational Sponsor: In Memory of Agata, Katherine & Pat Sallarulo.

Champions Sponsors: Broward Health; MetLife.

Titanium Sponsors: Lawlor l Zigler; Nova Southeastern University.

Platinum Sponsors: Anesco; Carnival Foundation; Fiora Financial Group; Maroone; Memorial Healthcare System; Lorraine Thomas.

Gold Sponsors: Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc.; Thomasina A. Caporella; Chartwells; Cody & Trevor Crowley; Duffy’s Sports Grill; Eye on South Florida; FreshPoint; Gallo Herbert Lebolo; NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship; JWR Construction Services; Mahoney & Associates; Miami Marlins Foundation; North Broward Radiologists; NSU’s Health Professions ; Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Silver Sponsors: ACAI Associates, Inc.; Ron Assaf; Broward Bank of Commerce; C. Davis Electric Co.; Florida Power and Light; First Path; John Henry Family Foundation; Incapital; Paul Lundmark; Miami Dolphins Foundation; Motorcoach Store; Notre Dame Club of Fort Lauderdale; NSU’s Alumni Association; Klaus Roggenbuck; Berger Singerman; Sunshine State Health Plan; J. Kenneth Tate; Richard J. Zaden.

Bronze Sponsors: Ahearn Jasco & Company; Dr. George R. Babyak; Buca di Beppo; Dr. Michael Chizner; Mr. & Mrs. Tinsley Ellis; Dr. Daniel Kanell; JD Backhoe; Joel L Rush DO, PA; Tom, Maureen & Ryan Shea; Rebecca Stoll; Peter & Jacqueline Travisano; Abert Miniaci-Paramount Vending; Bruce and Marcel Nager; Justin J. Sayfie.

Community Partners: Broward Sheriff’s Office; Publix.

Event Supporters: Derby Girls; Fort Lauderdale Strikers; Miami Heat.

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