SEASPAR Program Celebrates Third Annual 5K

LA GRANGE, IL — On July 27, the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) held its third annual Walk, Run & Roll 5K event for participants in its EAGLES year-round life skills enrichment program for adults with disabilities.

According to a release from the organization, the event began in 2015 as part of the EAGLES’ health-focused “Commit to Be Fit” program, which was made possible with a grant from the DuPage Medical Group Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund of the DuPage Foundation. Participants in the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association’s Day Break and Stars adult day programs also joined this year’s event. A total of 109 participants, family members, staff, and volunteers took part in the 5K, which was held at McCollum Park in Downers Grove.

The EAGLES participants train for the event throughout the year with health education and exercise activities, according to the release. The 5K is non-competitive, but participants challenge themselves to do their best. This year’s first finisher was Steven Avalos of Downers Grove, with a time of 43 minutes and 22 seconds.

“We are so proud of how our EAGLES increase their healthy habits and fitness levels year after year,” Dawn Krawiec, SEASPAR’s day program manager, said in a release. “At the 5K, everyone worked very hard to complete the entire 3.1-mile race, whether they ran, walked, or rolled in a wheelchair. The group spent the day testing their physical limits and encouraging their peers the whole way. It was an inspirational experience for everyone involved.”

For more information about the EAGLES adult day program or SEASPAR’s other recreational programs and services for individuals with disabilities, visit SEASPAR.org or call 630-960-7600.

Photos provided by SEASPAR.