AUTISM SPEAKS’ MIAMI-DADE CHAPTER TO BENEFIT FROM 4TH ANNUAL WATERFORD 5K AT BLUE LAGOON

Race location:
2010 Waterford 5k – Miami
Friday, November 12, 2010
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED TIME: 6:00 p.m.
Blue Lagoon Office Park, 6100 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Fla.
For registration information or to reserve a registration packet, please contact FootWorks at (305) 666-RACE (7223) or visit the website.

Family-friendly event features 3.1 mile run, interactive activities, top prizes and more

The 4th Annual Waterford 5k will once again wind its way through Blue Lagoon Office Park on Friday, November 12, 2010, beginning at 6:00 p.m. For the fourth year in a row, the 5K (3.1 mile) Run Walk challenges participants to hit the ground running and get involved, all while benefiting the local Miami-Dade Chapter of Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism research and advocacy organization.

“Autism Speaks is honored to be the benefiting charity of the 2010 Waterford 5K run,” said Lourdes Folgosa, executive director, Autism Speaks. “We are dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and funding research that explores the causes, prevention and treatment of autism. With the support of the 2010 Waterford 5K run and the participants, we hope to further our mission of helping those affected by autism.”

It has been estimated that one in every 110 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and pediatric AIDS combined. In an effort to raise awareness and provide funding for this vital research, over the past three consecutive years, the Waterford 5K race has raised more than $50,000 for Autism.

“The Waterford 5K is more than just a race,” said Peter Romero, senior property manager, Taylor & Mathis. “Not only does it provide participants with the opportunity to race against their peers during an evening of fun and competition, but it also allows them to give back to an organization that supports research that benefits so many individuals and their families, both in South Florida and around the nation. For the 4th year in a row, we’re excited to donate all of the proceeds of the race to the Miami-Dade Chapter of Autism Speaks.”

With a special competition that awards the overall male and overall female winner, the Waterford 5K is open to individuals, families, companies and businesses. The top overall male and female runner will receive an incredible prize package that includes a seven night, all-inclusive trip for two to Club Med’s Sandpiper Bay, provided by Club Med.

2010 Waterford 5K race sponsors include Taylor & Mathis, Club Med, Nokia, OTIS, Waste Management, TIIA CREF, CSC, MetLife, Hogan, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, CRS and more.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Team FootWorks is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that encourages and promotes fitness through printed material, training classes and community events for all levels and ages. For more information, visit www.teamfootworks.org.