5K Fun Run to benefit NSSRA's programs for adults

Submitted by the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association

Participants in the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association's Enriched Lifestyles for Adults Program are gearing up for their fourth annual Fun Run and Walk on Friday, May 19. The ELA Program is a year-round day program for individuals with developmental disabilities who are 22 years and older. ELA participants have been working hard to put on the event themselves, creating lap cards and motivational signs to cheer runners on throughout the day.

Taking place at Maplewood Park in Deerfield, the noncompetitive event is expected to draw a crowd of nearly 175 runners and walkers. Check in begins at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K run and 1 mile options will both begin at 11 a.m. Community members are welcome to register the same-day at the event and join in the fun.

Maplewood Park is at 900 Clay Court, Deerfield.

In addition to NSSRA and ELA participants, families and staff, participants from five additional special recreation associations throughout Chicagoland will be lacing up their sneakers for the big day. Other organizations attending include Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Northlands Association for Special Recreation, Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation and Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. New this year, transition students will also be joining in. The Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department will also be present to cheer everybody on to the finish line.

A community effort, the event has garnered support from local businesses, including Costco in Glenview and Sunset Foods in Northbrook, as well as from ELA families.

A collaborative effort between NSSRA and The Center for Enriched Living, ELA was created to enhance the quality of life and offer well-rounded daytime program options for adults with disabilities while providing a flexible schedule for families. For more information about the ELA Program, visit www.nssra.org/ela.

NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities. NSSRA is an extension of 10 park districts, two cities and one village in the Northern suburbs. NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and has the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country. For more information about NSSRA and the programs and services they provide, visit www.nssra.org.

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