Former Olympian Visits FWES to Promote Burning for Learning 5k

Former Olympian Gary Fanelli paid a visit to Fort Washington Elementary School last week to help promote the annual "Burning for Learning" 5k event, to be held April 22 of this year.

Fanelli, who competed for American Samoa in the 1988 Olympic marathon in Seoul, South Korea, has a reputation as "the crown prince of road racing" and did not disappoint. Dressed in a bright running suit, Fanelli spoke with the children and fielded questions from an audience of children, parents, and teachers gathered for the monthly town hall meeting.

"I'm very happy to be with you all today and encourage you, because you are our future," said Fanelli. "Future leaders in the community and even future athletes for the Olympic games."

Fanelli told the children stories about running throughout the world, including a 36-mile trek up a Maui volcano.

"Now, the volcano wasn't active, thankfully," Fanelli said.

One child asked Fanelli if he had medaled in the Olympics.

"I did not. There were 200 people from all around the world, and they only gave medals out to the top three, but the other 197, we were also all winners," Fanelli said, gathering laughter and then applause from the audience.

Fanelli then seemed to surprise everyone in the room, primarily a pair of student drummers on stage, when he asked them to play a beat on their drums. Fanelli removed a pair of black sunglasses and a harmonica from his track jacket and began to play his own bluesy-version of "Sitting on Top of the World."

Parents and children clapped along before Fanelli thanked the audience and made his exit.

The second annual Burning for Learning 5k Run is being organized by members of the Fort Washington Elementary School PTA, and helps fund educational enrichment at the school. Proceeds this year will also be donated to Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit dedicated to providing living and learning essentials to disadvantaged youth.

The run/walk will be held on April 22, 2012 at the Upper Dublin High School track.

To find out more and register, visit _http://burningforlearning.com/_