USADSF 5K race to benefit BIPOC Deaflympic athletes
Can you run, walk, or wheel a 5K? That’s the equivalent to 3.1 miles.
The USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is hosting its second annual Dr. Glenn Anderson Diversity and Equity 5K. Ticket proceeds will go towards reducing financial barriers for BIPOC athletes who hope to compete in the Deaflympics. The race is virtual — meaning you can participate via an app and upload your progress and post selfies.
The next Summer Deaflympics will take place from May 1-15, 2022 at Caxias do Sul, Brazil. There will be at least 21 sports categories.
U.S. athletes often have to fundraise several thousand dollars in order to cover expenses of participating in the Deaflympics.
This 5K is aimed towards reducing that burden for BIPOC athletes.
Last year’s 5K race raised $18,000 from 416 participants who covered a combined 4,000 kilometers. USADSF said they hope they can raise even more money this year and hit a 4,300 combined kilometer goal, which is the distance from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. Both cities previously hosted Deaflympic games.
We reached out to Dr. Glenn Anderson himself to ask him to share his thoughts and words of encouragement on this race. Here is his statement.
“There are many outstanding BIPOC Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes all over the U.S. who can benefit from the Diversity and Equity Fund.
I'm one of the many athletes who formerly participated in the Deaflympics in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1969. Though I did not have the benefit of a Diversity and Equity Fund to support my participation, I was fortunately able to take part in the Deaflympics in Belgrade as a result of support from family and friends. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to raise the needed funds. There were moments when I did not think we would be able to successfully meet our fundraising goal.
For that reason, among others, I'm delighted to be able to help support this important fund that aims to expand athletic, coaching, and training opportunities for BIPOC athletes. And finally, the plans for the second annual race, a combined 4,300 KM race--that is the distance from LA, California to Washington, DC--are terrific. Are you ready for the challenge? Let's go for it!”
Thank you Dr. Anderson for sharing your experiences and words of encouragement.
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Tickets for the 5k race cost $20. All participants will receive a “US Deaflympic Team” sunglasses. If you get a “Diversity Champion” ticket for $30, you will receive sunglasses and a t-shirt with the race logo on the front and its race sponsors on the back. You can donate additional amounts of money to support the equity fund.
The USADSF is featuring a “Golden Morph,” which is a human that is covered entirely in gold. This morph will move across a map of the U.S. to represent the progress of the 5k race and the goal of 4,300 kilometers.
The link to register for the 5K race is in the status description or the transcript. Happy running or walking or wheeling!
Race link: https://dash.atlasgo.org/challenges/611d7e86cd3ea31b55fb4493
Dr. Glenn Anderson bio: https://ualr.edu/facultyexcellence/2014/04/09/dr-glenn-anderson/