After a very successful event last year, island residents came together once again for the second annual Autism Awareness 5K Run/Walk held by Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) that was held on Sunday, April 17, 2016.
Over 130 participants registered, bought T-shirts, raffle tickets and made donations towards the worthy cause which proceeds will benefit ACES Special Education Scholarships and help create awareness in the community for children with disabilities.
Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) is the first school on Ambergris Caye to substantially separate a special education classroom that caters to island children with special needs. The classroom directly impacts students with disabilities and assists ACES in its efforts to provide quality education in Ambergris Caye.
Needless to say, the community came out in full force to support the event. Participants either chose to walk or run the 5K route. The starting line was at Sandbar and prizes were awarded to top male and female runners, group participants and even the youngest runner.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness 5K.
Male
1st Place – Eric Donis
2nd Place – Kent Bob Gabourel
3rd Place – Daniel Gregorio
Female
1st Place – Amy Requena
2nd Place – Allison Lloyd
3rd Place – Luisana Guerrero
From the Organizers:
Congratulations to all of the participants who stuck with it and ran or walked all the way to the finish line on such a warm day. Many people left with a sense of accomplishment. A special mention for our youngest runner, Tellen Smith, and our oldest runner, Mr. Coconut Leo. We would like to congratulate Fatima Arceo and Savanna Nunez for their participation. A number of runners and walkers were under the age of 15, which shows that our children are excited about both exercise and awareness. Kudos to all of the kids! We would also like to congratulate all of the teams who rallied together to help raise awareness: UNCW (largest team of 18 people), Camp Starfish, Team Saga, Team United, A.C.E.S. Blue Eagles, A.C.E.S. Team Six. One hundred and thirty two people participated which is a fantastic turn out to raise awareness for Autism!
A special thank you to all of our sponsors: San Pedro Town Council, Sandbar, DC Island Scooter, Palapa Bar & Grill, Ecologic Divers, Carlo & Ernies, San Pedro Belize Express for donating all of the prizes for our winners. Additionally, a big thank you to Mr. Kent Bob Gabourel for his help in coordinating the event as well as all of the staff at Ambergris Caye Elementary School, Lara Goldman of 12 Belize and Dalia Alamilla of Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish for volunteering and helping to make sure things ran smoothly. A big thank you to San Pedro Transport Department for keeping everyone safe on the streets and San Pedro Red Cross for making sure everyone was hydrated!
Lastly, thank you to Karen Brodie, Taco Girl, Robert Hawkins, Ambergris Today & iTravel Belize and San Pedro Sun for covering the event and letting the world know that everyone in San Pedro is working together to raise awareness for those living with disabilities.
For anyone who would like to make a donation towards a scholarship for a child with special needs, you can do so by visiting: Sponsor a Special Education Student. Please feel free to share the link with your friends and family members.
We look forward to next year!
