Strides Road Race Benefits People with Disabilities

The Arc of New London County and The Cactus Jack Foundation announce the 32nd Annual Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race to be held at Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT, on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 10:00 am. This unique fund-raising effort for The Arc of New London County has enjoyed extraordinary success over the years and is open to all families and walkers as well as runners of all ages and abilities.

Named in honor of Jack O’Keefe, Sr., in celebration of his legacy of supporting people with disabilities, the race honors a man who was the first Recreation Director at Seaside Regional Center and founded the inaugural race in 1978 along with the late George Daly (Camp Harkness Director from 1976 through 1997) and retiring Arc of New London County Executive Director Tom Sullivan.

Long before it became an academic philosophy, Jack O’Keefe embodied the spirit of unified recreation, encouraging people with abilities and disabilities to find joy by participating together in recreation and sports. All proceeds from the race will be used to support recreational, leisure and sports activities for people with disabilities.

With 8 divisions that start with racers 11 years old and younger and go all the way through the Veterans Division where racers are 70 years old or older, the Strides Road Race offers fun for everyone.

Registration fees: $15 per runner or $30 per family of four in advance, and $20 per runner or $35 per family of four on race day. Children under 12 years of age pay only $5, and Patron Ads cost $50. Fees include food provided by Outback Steakhouse, a T-shirt sponsored by the Lake of Isles, a Race Packet and entertainment.

To register or to learn more about the 10K, 5K and 1K Family Fun Run & Walk, visit www.thearcnlc.org