The Philadelphia Eagles have launched the Eagles Autism Challenge, a cycling and 5K event set for May 19, 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge will have an information and sign-up booth at the November 4 & 5 Philly Bike Expo. Eagles cheerleaders and SWOOP may make a surprise appearance at the Philly Bike Expo, too.
The Eagles Autism Challenge is slated to become an annual family-fun day dedicated to raising money for Autism Spectrum Disorder research and support. The Challenge will feature cycling routes of 15, 30 and 50 miles, along with a family-friendly 5K run/walk. Eagles coaches, players, alumni, executives, cheerleaders and SWOOP will participate. Cyclists will follow routes through the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs. Runners and walkers will traverse a one-of-a-kind course through Lincoln Financial Field and the surrounding neighborhood. All four routes start at Lincoln Financial Field.
100 percent of participant-raised funds will go to autism research and programs at three nationally recognized institutions – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University. These beneficiaries have formed a coalition of the top researchers in the field to help drive scientific breakthroughs.
“Autism affects equally all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. It has touched my family personally,” says Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. “Autism is the single largest developmental disorder that touches the lives of millions of people and families around the world,” he adds. “You might assume that a widespread health issue of this magnitude would be met with large-scale private and public funding, but that’s not the case. In fact, autism has historically been underfunded, under-researched, and commonly misunderstood.”
Joining the Eagles Autism Challenge involves a registration fee and a fundraising minimum. Those who participate receive access to the Friday Kick-Off Party and Saturday’s Finish Line Celebration at Lincoln Financial Field, free food and beverage for both days, a cycling jersey or 5K T-shirt, honorary medal and more. “Virtual participation” opportunities are also available.
Participants must be 13 or older for the 15-mile and 18 or older for the 30- and 50-mile rides. Children 12 and under may participate in the 5K free of charge under the supervision of a registered adult.
Milestone fundraising markers will be rewarded with additional Eagles experiences.
The Eagles Autism Challenge aims to raise funds for innovative research and programs while inspiring and engaging the community to make a lasting impact. To sign up for the Eagles Autism Challenge or to get more information, stop by their booth at the Philly Bike Expo November 4 & 5 or visit www.eaglesautismchallenge.org
