Dream Makers Youth Foundation to Host Chasing the Dream 5K Race

May 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Hiram, Ga – Dream Makers Youth Foundation is anticipating the success of its inaugural Chasing the Dream: 5K Race to take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Homer Leggett Memorial Park’s Silver Comet Trail. The race begins at 8am; registration opens at 7:30. There are several divisions, from 10 & under to 65 & older, and a wheelchair division.

Dream Makers Youth Foundation (DMYF) - a non-profit organization that provides educational, recreational, and therapeutic services to children with special needs throughout Metropolitan Atlanta – is committed to ensuring individuals with special needs are as independent as their conditions allow, within their natural environments.  Founded in 2004, DMYF has come a long way - expanding from sponsoring one wheelchair soccer team, to offering a competitive basketball league and tennis lessons through the S.T.A.R.S. Adaptive Sports Program, and academic services through the Foundations4Learning Tutorial Program.  This year, DMYF will start personalizing their quest for independence, as they strive to make the dream of Chad Crews, a 20 year-old boy diagnosed with Arthrogryposis, and a member of the organization’s original 2004 State Championship wheelchair soccer team, come true. He wants to drive.

DMYF is committed to improving the lives of the youth they serve, and are determined not to let money, or a lack of it, prevent their youth from reaching for the stars.  Crews’ condition is characterized by multiple joint contractures and muscle weakness, so he would require an evaluation, a heavily modified vehicle, and extensive training to drive—expenses his parents Reggie, a police officer for the City of Smyrna, and Michelle - a required stay at home mom - are unable to afford on their own. It is on Chad’s behalf that they will host their inaugural Chasing the Dream 5k race; proceeds will go towards the purchase of a vehicle.

Dream Makers Youth Foundation’s founder and executive director, Nikki Wilson, is anticipating a great race.  “The organization is preparing for a great turnout.  We are promoting fitness and health - as well as raising funds for Chad – in a motivating and exciting environment. It really doesn’t matter if you are a beginning runner, an avid racer, or even in a wheelchair…this race for everyone,” states Wilson.  The multi-use and car-free concrete path welcomes all participants willing to walk, jog, or run for a great cause. For more information about becoming a volunteer or sponsor, or to register, visit www.dmyf.info/5krace.

About Dream Makers Youth Foundation
Dream Makers Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides educational and recreational opportunities for children with cognitive disabilities throughout Metropolitan Atlanta. Dream Makers currently offers tutorial services within Atlanta Public Schools, tennis lessons, and a competitive basketball league for children with mild to moderate intellectual delays, such as Down Syndrome, Autism, and Mental Retardation; these services are currently offered free of charge. For more information, visit our website at: www.dmyf.info