Train 4 Autism (T4A) announced that it is partnering with Autism Speaks, the nation's largest organization dedicated to funding and facilitating autism research, to help raise awareness and funds through athletic events.
T4A is a powerful and unique program. It provides a system by which individuals can train for and participate in athletic events such as marathons, half marathons, 10-K's, 5-K's, walks, triathlons, swimming, and/ or cycling events and at the same time raise funds for the autism program of their choice. Participants create and edit their own webpage, send emails to donors, get training tips, join or create their own T4A chapters, meet professional athlete spokespersons, all while raising funds and awareness of autism. The most powerful part of T4A is the fact that participants are able to direct the majority of the funds they raise to the autism program of their choice.
“We are very excited about this program” said Sam Levitt, Autism Speaks national director of community events. “We have many constituents who have been raising money on their own through distance competitions and T4A can now provide them with a comprehensive training and support system. Autism Speaks receives 15 cents of every dollar raised through T4A and if the athlete selects Autism Speaks, we receive an additional 70 cents on every dollar.”
“I first started jogging as a way to channel the frustration when my child was diagnosed with autism. My wife Ann and I discussed the idea of developing a program that would empower others,” said T4A Co-Founder Ben Fesagaiga. “A fundraising system utilizing endurance events is nothing new, however, enabling participants to direct the funds they raise to autism programs that are closest to their hearts has been called revolutionary. Our system allows programs to unite and gain support, and at the same time maintain their autonomy and independence. Together we can really make a powerful impact for positive change, and I am excited to have Autism Speaks participate.”
Even though you don't have to be a seasoned athlete to join T4A, they have already gained the support of world-class athletes including 2008 US Olympic Triathlon Team Member and T4A Spokesperson Sarah Haskins who had this to say, “It is important to educate the public on the early signs of autism. Early diagnosis and effective treatment and intervention programs make all the difference. I greatly support the work that is being done with Train 4 Autism and Autism Speaks.” Sarah's sister Megan is an ABA therapist and teacher as well as the T4A Missouri Chapter President.
To learn more, visit www.train4autism.org.
