JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds of participants took to the streets of Downtown Jacksonville Saturday morning for the 2nd annual Race for Inclusion.
The Race for Inclusion is part of the Special Olympics Florida's statewide campaign to build communities of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. The 5K race is just one of 10 races held across the state.
Special Olympics Florida offers year-round training and competition in Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities. CSX hosted the Jacksonville race.
Organizers behind Saturday’s race want to bring awareness to the isolation and injustices felt by people with disabilities within the sports world and to spread education about acceptance and support.
“I’m happy right now because of all the support and that the event is raising money for the Special Olympics," said Megan Bell, a Special Olympics Florida Zumba leader.
Over $71,000 was raised for the Jacksonville race. Seven more races are scheduled to take place throughout the state with the last event taking place in December.