WHAT

Strides for SPO is a 5K run/walk hosting more than 500 Villanova students, faculty, staff, and friends.

WHEN

Strides for SPO 2008 will take place Wednesday, September 24, 2008 starting at the Oreo and continuing around the campus of Villanova University. Online registration will end at midnight on Tuesday, September 23.

COURSE

3-lap course:  Oreo - Austin Hall - St. Rita's Hall - St. Thomas of Villanova Church - Tolentine Hall - Fedigan Hall - White Hall - John Barry Hall - Mendel Hall - Falvey Library - St. Augustine Center - behind Kennedy Hall - behind Connelly Center - behind Sullivan Hall - Health Center - Bartley Hall - Dougherty Drive - Quad - Oreo

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

The Fall Festival is the annual state-wide competition for Special Olympics Pennsylvania that is hosted by Villanova University.  This year's event will take place November 7-9 as Villanova welcomes over 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities to campus.  Areas of competition include bocce, long distance running and walking, powerlifting, roller skating, soccer, and volleyball.  Come to the Pavilion Friday evening for the inspiring Opening Ceremonies, and be sure to visit the Quad on Saturday and Sunday, as it is transformed into Olympic Town - a street festival of entertainment for the athletes and families.

This year will mark Villanova's 20th consecutive year of hosting the Fall Festival, and the 29th anniversary of Special Olympics at Villanova.  The weekend costs several hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce.  Your donation to Strides helps to enable us to continue offering all competition and other opportunities free of charge to the athletes and their families, which allows everyone to experience the benefits of Special Olympics that extend well beyond the playing field.  Thanks for your kindness and generosity!