5K In Cheshire To Benefit Abilities Without Boundaries

CHESHIRE, CT — (Contributed press release): One of Connecticut’s most popular fall runs, the 9th annual Hot COCO 5K & Kids Fun Run takes place Saturday, Nov. 18 in Cheshire. More than 900 participants are expected, according to John Bysiewicz, event coordinator for JB Sports, the professional race organizer.

The scenic, rolling, 5K course begins at Norton Elementary School and travels the historic Farmington Canal Line. The Kids Fun Run starts at 10 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10:10 a.m. The race benefits Abilities Without Boundaries (AWB), a private, nonprofit providing employment and day services for disabled adults ages 21 to 80. AWB provides individuals with disabilities the freedom and opportunity to succeed in social and vocational pursuits within a safe, nurturing environment. New this year, program participants from AWB will help start the race, said Julie Rodriguez, AWB Executive Director.

With nearly 800 Hot COCO participants in 2016, organizers expect to attract more than 900 runners and walkers on November 18. After the race, runners and spectators enjoy a post-race party sipping hot coco and enjoying live music, face painters, entertainment, food, beverages, children’s activities, an awards ceremony and more.

Cash prizes are awarded to the top three overall male and female 5K finishers. Awards are given to top age-group finishers. All runners in the Kids Fun Run receive a finisher ribbon.

Dr. Lloyd Saberski, Abilities Without Boundaries Board Member and Hot COCO Race Chairman, said the race is an important fundraiser but does much more, “We want our local community to be more aware of the disabled adults we serve. Every community has adults with disabilities that need these services. Their needs are often overlooked. Abilities Without Boundaries offers an important service to our community and this race greatly raises our organization’s visibility. We rely upon our local communities to provide job opportunities for our program participants, as well as funding support.”

The Hot COCO 5K & Kids Fun Run is sponsored by: Ouellette, Deganis, Gallagher & Grippe Attorneys at Law; Olympic Taekwondo Academy of Cheshire; Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessy, LP; Yale New Haven Hospital; Webster Bank; Gaylord Specialty Healthcare; Ion Bank; Creative Dimensions; Delmar Products Inc.; Kensington Glass Co Inc.; Trinity Health of New England, St. Mary’s Hospital; Denali Outdoors; Walmart; NEIS; BCI Financial Group; Dr. Myer Shimelman; Bob Kesselman; Barker Specialty Company; Papa’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Lions Club of Cheshire; Law Offices of Ryan B. Corey, LLC; Barter Network; Richard Chevrolet; Coforge; A.J. Waste Systems LLC; Dana M. Stango CPA LLC; Norcom Mortgage/Norcom Cares; Cheshire Pilates Studio; 99.1 PLR; Norton Bros Fruit Farm, LLC; WB Mason, The Record-Journal and Guy Malone.

For more information, please visit www.AbilitiesWithoutBoundaries... and www.jbsports.com or call JB Sports at (203) 481-5933.

Pictured: Hot COCO runners ready to start last year’s race. Organizers expect more than 900 participants at this year’s race on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Norton School in Cheshire. The 9th Annual Hot COCO 5k and Kids Fun Run raises awareness and funds for Abilities Without Boundaries, a nonprofit provider of employment and day services to adults with disabilities. More information: www.AbilitiesWithoutBoundaries.org. Contributed photo)