by Dan Dillon
On your mark, get set, go! ACB is off and running with plans to participate in the Watermelon 5K walk/run. We will be partnering with Track Shack, which has been holding this event for many years. Track Shack anticipates that there will be around 3,000 participants. What a great opportunity to make the Orlando community aware of ACB and the capabilities of its members!
The event will take place on Saturday morning, July 4, at 7:30. Participants will need to arrive in Orlando on Friday, July 3. We hope that each walker or runner will seek pledges from family, friends, neighbors, co- workers, businesses in your community, church, and any other sources of support available. We encourage friendly competition among individuals and affiliates, as there will be prizes for those raising the most money for this exciting effort.
Sharon Lovering and I walked the route in November. The race will start and finish at Mead Garden in nearby Winter Park. It winds through several neighborhood streets, by the local high school (with bumpy brick streets), along a set of railroad tracks, and by a neighborhood playground. Many of the streets have shade trees along them. There are lots of sweet- smelling flowers and plants along the way, as well as at Mead Garden. Birds, butterflies and bumblebees fly and flit among the flowering plants on your route. There will be two water stops along the route, and light refreshments (granola bars, water and Gatorade) available at the finish line. Restrooms are available at Mead Garden. Oh, and after the race there's a watermelon-eating contest, too!
Watch for future articles in "The Braille Forum" for more details about the walk/run, even an option to be a virtual walker for those unable to attend the convention, and tips on training. The entry fee will be $25.