Oct 21, 2010
Source: Audi of America
– Pop star David Archuleta to perform
– Olympic Gold-Medalist Carl Lewis to lead 5K Run and 3K Walk
– Participants also include renowned Tour de France Cyclists Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde
HERNDON, Va., – Continuing its efforts to support and raise awareness of individuals intellectual and developmental disabilities, Audi is the title sponsor of the inaugural Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, a run, walk and cycling benefit event hosted by Best Buddies International and Special Olympics that will take place at the Washington Monument this Saturday, October 23, 2010 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Audi of Americas president, Johan de Nysschen, along with more than 60 employees from the company’s headquarters in Herndon, Va., will participate in the sporting activities. As the largest corporate team participating in the event, the Audi team has helped to fundraise more than US $ 50,000 for the driving forces behind the nations disability movement.
Audi is honored to support the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, said de Nysschen. It is especially fitting that the inaugural EKS challenge occurs in October to coincide with the Congress-designated National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Audi truly believes that talent has no boundaries and we hope that we can contribute to building a more formal employment program in the D.C. area in the future.
Since 2007, Audi has supported a number of Best Buddies initiatives and helped to raise nearly US $ 38 million in total donations to-date for the charity. In June, Audi served as title sponsor of Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle for the third year in a row. Through Audis partnership with Best Buddies, Audi also has had the opportunity to employ a participant from the George Mason University Best Buddies Chapter at Audi headquarters in Herndon, Va.
Best Buddies is thrilled that Audi has agreed to be the title sponsor of the inaugural Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, which is taking place in the companys hometown, says Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International. We are extremely grateful for Audis continued support, which goes way beyond the Challenge. Audi has embraced our partnership in so many ways, and on so many different levels from encouraging its employees to support the Best Buddies mission by participating in events like the Challenge, to hiring an individual with an intellectual disability to work in its headquarters. I hope Audis passion for and commitment to the cause inspires other companies in Washington, D.C. and beyond to get involved, too.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, which is Co-Chaired by Washington Wizards and Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis and his Buddy and longtime Special Olympics athlete Ken Holden, will feature a 20-mile cycling event led by Mayor Adrian Fenty, starting at the Washington Monument, proceeding up Pennsylvania Avenue, past the Capitol and through the city. The days activities will also include the Carl Lewis Challenge, a 5K run and 3K walk, led by the Olympic gold-medalist himself; a Celebrity Youth Fun Run, designed to engage and motivate young people in both movements; and the Friendship Races, which will include the Athlete/Buddy Single Race; the Corporate Tandem Relay; the Open Tandem Relay; the Family Challenge; and the Celebrity and Athlete/Buddy Tandem Race. Additional celebrities and professional athletes expected to participate in the days festivities include: Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen USA, Lindsay Staniszewski, Miss Maryland, Tour de France cyclists Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde, and singer Chris Brown, The day will conclude with a luncheon for all participants and a special performance by 19/Jive Recording star David Archuleta.
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