Sign up for Play for Peace's 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 21

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Play for Peace will host its seventh annual Fall 5K Run/Walk in honor of World Peace Day.

The event, which takes place at the Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, in Bartlett, will support the organization's mission to bring together children, youth and organizations from communities affected by conflict such as violence, discrimination, poverty and natural disaster, using cooperative play to create laughter, compassion, and peace.

The organization, which operates in more than 20 countries around the globe, also provides youth leadership programs, which help young people become peace builders in their communities.

The event was created seven years ago when Bartlett native Aidan Hennessy, then 5 years old, witnessed a Skype session between a group of Guatemalan kids and Play for Peace. Inspired by what he saw, he helped create what is now the Fall 5K Run/Walk as a way to raise money for Play for Peace kids in need around the world.

Today, 12-year-old Aidan is still an avid peace builder in his community. Beyond his fundraising efforts, last year he facilitated his own Boy Scout troop's participation in the Fall 5K.

Since spreading peace is such an important part of his involvement with Play for Peace, he helped many of the Scouts achieve their Messenger of Peace patches by taking part in the event's activities.

This year, Aidan is facilitating his troop's involvement once again so they can complete a variety of rank and merit badge requirements through their participation.

"This event is so important to me," Aidan said. "Play for Peace does amazing things for kids around the world, and I am excited to get the Scouts involved, especially on World Peace Day."

The 2019 Play for Peace Fall 5K will include a USATF certified 5K race and a concurrent one-mile walk, as well as a family-friendly event complete with cooperative play activities, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, a live animal show, an international food festival, a silent auction, and more.

Drawing Bartlett area runners, fundraisers and vendors, this annual event has something for all ages to enjoy, and all proceeds will help Play for Peace continue to bring cooperative play and youth leadership programs to communities around the world.

For full details about the event and to register, visit www.playforpeace.org/fall5k.

For information about Play for Peace, which is an official partner of the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, visit www.playforpeace.org.