Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge is Saturday, October 23, 2010 -- Run, Bike, Walk on The Mall in Washington, DC. See link for details of how to donate or volunteer at event.
Press Release:
Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge To Be Held on Oct. 23
Friday, 10.01.2010 / 8:41 AM / News
On Saturday, October 23rd, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Challenge will be held in the nation’s capital. Ted Leonsis, internet pioneer and owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, along with his Buddy, Ken Holden, a six-time medalist in the Special Olympics, will serve as Co-Chairs of the event.
This event is part of an ongoing effort to honor the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, whose lifelong mission was to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities had opportunities for success in the classrooms, on the playing fields, and in the work force. The event, which will benefit both Best Buddies and Special Olympics, will celebrate friendship, teamwork, and competition.
"I am honored to be serving as chair of this important event with my Buddy, Ken Holden." says Leonsis. "Ken and I have been Buddies for the past 10 years and I look forward to working alongside this amazing friend and athlete to make this a day to remember in the nation's capital."
In addition to Leonsis, many of Washington’s biggest names and faces are enthusiastically lending their support and signing up to participate in the EKS Challenge, which will include politicians, corporate executives, professional athletes, celebrities, family members, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The day’s events will kick off at 7:30 am and will feature a 20-mile cycling event led by Mayor Adrian Fenty and renowned Tour de France cyclists Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde, starting at the Washington Monument, riding past the Capitol and through the city. The day’s activities will also include The Carl Lewis Challenge, a 5K run and 3K walk, led by the Olympic gold-medalist himself. There will also be a Celebrity Youth Fun Run, where students age 22 and under will run alongside featured celebrities.
"I know my mother is looking down with a huge smile and sense of satisfaction that Best Buddies and Special Olympics together have launched a ride, run and walk that will celebrate and recognize the enormous talents and leadership abilities of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International.
Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, agrees. “We invite everyone to participate in this historic event so that they can feel the amazing world of welcome that our athletes create.”
The EKS Challenge will be much more than a ride, a run or a walk… it will be the ultimate sightseeing experience and the start of a beloved new tradition in the nation’s capital. Similar to Eunice Kennedy Shriver herself, this event will soon be a staple in the disability movement in Washington DC. It is not to be missed! To register, volunteer or get more information on the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, please go to http://www.ekschallenge.org/
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