HIGH 5 Soccer, a free program for youths with special needs offered by the Glenmoore Eagle Youth Association (GEYA), will host "HIGH 5K for Connor," featuring a 5K and fun run, on Sunday, April 19, at Fellowship Field No. 1, located at 241 Fellowship Road, Chester Springs. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for Connor Dobbyn, 11, who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome Type C, also known as childhood Alzheimer's.
Sanfilippo syndrome Type C is a rare, progressive and incurable genetic disorder that primarily affects the brain cells and spinal cord. Currently, there is no cure. "Our goal is to raise funds to start a clinical trial for a cure for Sanfilippo Type C and give Connor a chance to live," stated Jenn Wagner, who is the coach of HIGH 5 Soccer along with her husband, Matt Wagner.
HIGH 5 Soccer allows youths with disabilities to enjoy the game of soccer through soccer-based activities and games that are adapted to their abilities. As part of the program, players, who range in age from 5 to 18, are paired with volunteer buddies, who are predominantly local high school and middle school students. HIGH 5 soccer sessions take place weekly at Fellowship Field in the spring and fall. The spring season will begin on Saturday, April 4, from 3 to 4 p.m.
"Connor Dobbyn has been a part of our GEYA HIGH 5 Soccer family for the past five years," said Jenn. "He has a contagious smile and exuberant personality. HIGH 5 has been a great outlet for Connor and his family."
"While we provide a fun outlet for Connor, we are making it our mission to help save him and others from this fatal disease," she added.
The 5K race will begin at 9:30 a.m. The free fun run will be a 100-yard dash on the turf field at 9:15 a.m. before the 5K begins. There will be HIGH 5 activities on the field after the race begins for those who would like to participate but are unable to do the run.
To register for the race or to donate, readers may visit http://www.racemenu.com/connor. Teams are welcome to participate. Runners should register by Saturday, March 28, to be guaranteed a shirt.
Those interested in sponsoring the race may email Cindigeya@gmail.com for details.
More information about Connor is available by searching for "Connor Beats Sanfilippo" on Facebook.
To learn more about the HIGH 5 program or becoming a volunteer buddy, readers may contact Jenn at HIGH5@geyasoccer.org. More information about GEYA Soccer and HIGH 5 Soccer is available at http://www.geyasports.org and by searching for "GEYA Soccer & HIGH 5 Soccer" on Facebook.
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