Schott Communities hosted The Schott 5K Run and Walk at Markham Park in Sunrise on Saturday,
October 24, 2009. Though Schott has had a walkathon since 2001, this year we contracted with Rick Stern of Split Second Timing to organize the run which started at 7AM, with the Walk immediately following at 8AM. According to Stern, “Split Second Timing has a following in the area for putting on a quality run." The Schott Run was timed using the state of the art ChronoTrack Timing system. A highlight of the Schott 5K Run and Walk was a delicious hot breakfast prepared and served by the St. Max Knights of Columbus.
The Schott Center, which provides programs and services for persons who are deaf or disabled, wanted to expand the Walkathon to include a 5K Run to introduce South Florida’s running community to its clients. Frank Casale, the Center’s Executive Director said, “We represent individuals who may be in wheelchairs, who may be developmentally disabled, who may be blind, deaf or challenged in other ways. Most are unable to run, but they bring their enthusiasm and determination to the walkathon each year. This year, it is wonderful to have the running community run in support of our clients.”
Dave Shula and Andrew Almeida were honorary co-chairs for this year’s event. Dave is President of Shula’s Steak Houses, a former coach of the Cincinnati Bengals and an avid runner. Andrew Almeida is a young man who, though born with Cerebral Palsy, defied his doctor’s predictions that he would never walk or speak. They epitomize the running community and disabled community working together to support the Schott Center, a caring place which treats those who are disabled with dignity and offers programs which provide life enriching experiences.
Local schools, CCD students, Key Clubs, American Sign Language Clubs and Sororities lent a hand in support of the Run and Walk. The volunteer pool was amazing this year as we reached out to our local youth and they responded with a resounding "Yes." They gathered pledges, got friends involved, and contacted us about what they could do to help.
"The Schott Center is a volunteer driven non-profit, their commitment means a lot to the people we serve.” said Liz Disney, Schott’s Director of Programs and Volunteers.
For more information on Schott Communities located in Cooper City or to get involved, call 954-434-3306.