Upstate Cross Country Set to Host Benefit Run for Children
11/2/2012 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Parker, kparker@uscupstate.edu
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate men's and women's cross country teams will help host a 5K walk/run fundraiser entitled "One Small Step" Saturday morning on the Upstate campus, benefiting local children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Registration begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and will close at 9:30 a.m. The race will begin around 10 a.m. Following the walk/run, there will be activities for children and prizes to be given away. Any adult that raises $40 will receive a free t-shirt and all children will receive a free t-shirt.
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder and affects one in every 12,000 births. Researchers have found that it affects both the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. Children born with this disorder have unstable levels of hormones being released that affect their growth, muscle mass, satiety/hunger, behavior, sleep and fertility. Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome need to stay physically active as the disorder can cause excessive weight gain.
"This is such a great cause and we just wanted to help the community get involved and spread awareness," said Upstate Associate Head Coach Carson Blackwelder. "It's an opportunity to share the importance of physical activity for not only those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome, but for all children. It is so important for kids to be physically active and learn how to stay physically fit throughout their lives. As a cross country program, we wanted to help relay that message to the local community."
The race will begin near the Humanities & Performing Arts Center/Curtis R. Harley Art Gallery on the Upstate campus. For more information about One Small Step and Prader-Willi Syndrome, please click here.
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