Special Olympics, Cranston Police 4th Annual Celebrate the Movement 5K Run & Walk, Oct. 22

Photo: Garden City Center, 2022

Runners, walkers and those who just want to enjoy a leisurely outdoor stroll through Garden City Center are encouraged to do so for a great cause by registering for Special Olympics Rhode Island’s Celebrate the Movement 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, October 22, in Garden City. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. and a 9 a.m. race start.

All proceeds from this annual event, hosted by Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) in partnership with the Cranston Police Department and Garden City Center, support 3,500 athletes currently participating in SORI’s year-round programs of sports training, athletic competitions, and leadership and health initiatives.

In 2022, Celebrate the Movement raised over $100,000. SORI is hoping to exceed that amount this year.

“Celebrate the Movement allows us to raise critical funding for our important programs that benefit our athletes both on and off the field,” said Ed Pacheco, President & Chief Executive Officer, SORI. “Our incredible partnership with the Cranston Police and Garden City Center provides a safe space and beautiful location for this important, fun-filled event.”

Pacheco added, “This event also marks the conclusion of a 24-hour fundraising walk that some of our friends in law enforcement, along with a few of our athletes, are embarking on October 21. The duration of the walk will take place at Warwick City Park and, around 4 a.m., these incredible individuals will start making their way to Garden City – arriving at 8:30 a.m. as we prepare to kick off our Celebrate the Movement 5K and Walk.”

The backdrop for Celebrate the Movement is Garden City Center, which not only combines a mix of local and regional businesses as well as national destination stores and restaurants but puts a strong focus on the communities it serves. GCC hosts hundreds of events each year and is instrumental in raising more than $200,000 annually for local non-profits. 

“We’re thrilled to once again host Celebrate the Movement and support Special Olympics Rhode Island, which provides so many great opportunities for its athletes through the power of sports,” said Joe Koechel, General Manager, Garden City Center. “This collaboration aligns with our core values and mission to support the communities we serve.”

The 4th annual Celebrate the Movement offers something for everyone, from the competitive athlete to the casual walker including:

●      5k timed run through the neighborhoods of Garden City

●      Half-mile stroll through Garden City Center

●      Virtual run, walk (or any activity participants choose)

Celebrate the Movement kicks off October 22 at 8 a.m. at the Garden City Center Gazebo.

Ernst & Young is supporting the event as a Gold Sponsor and Rockland Trust and Lowers Forensics International as a Bronze Sponsors. 

To register visit: specialolympicsri.org/celebrate-the-movement/.

About Special Olympics Rhode Island:

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) is a non-profit organization providing year-round sports training in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The organization serves over 3,500 athletes of all ages, races and genders. Along with the athletes, SORI offers involvement and support to family members and/or caregivers, along with hundreds of volunteers from high schools, colleges and companies from around the state.