BELGRADE LAKES — On Saturday, Oct. 5, people of all ability levels can run, walk or bike the Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp in the heart of Belgrade Lakes. Pine Tree Camp’s entire 285-acre campus on North Pond is fully accessible and designed to provide barrier-free access to the outdoors for children and adults with disabilities in all seasons.
“It’s the perfect setting for people of all abilities to come together and enjoy a scenic 5K run to raise money for people with disabilities in Maine,” Pine Tree Camp said in a press release.
This 5K course takes runners, walkers and wheelchair users on fully accessible nature trails through the woods, along the water and around many special sites that have created unforgettable overnight summer camp experiences since 1945.
“This woodland and riverside path is wide, well-surfaced and has very few rocks and roots, allowing you to keep your eyes on the scenery rather than your feet,” said Michaela Collins, Community Engagement Manager at the Pine Tree Society.
Teams are welcome and last year’s teams included: KBH Wellness, Maine Eye Doctors, Colby College, Prime Financial and Hometown Heat Pumps.
“We are deeply grateful to Pine Tree Camp for partnering with the Flutie Foundation by hosting a Flutie 5k Run for Autism in Maine,” said Doug Flutie. “Pine Tree Camp’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility is an example for others. We are proud to join forces in Maine and support this incredible organization by providing more funding to the Maine community to support autism and inclusion.”
What:
Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp
When:
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m.
Where:
Pine Tree Camp
114 Pine Tree Camp Road
Rome, Maine
WHO:
This race is open to adults and youth. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, bib number and finisher medal. There will be a fun run for children and prizes for the top participants. Teams are welcome.
Why:
One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit people with disabilities in Maine through Pine Tree Camp’s tuition fund. No camper has ever been turned away due to their ability to pay.
How:
Registration is $35. Additional fundraising is optional and those who raise $150 or more will have their registration fee waived. Register at this link: https://pinetreesociety.org/pts-events/flutie-5k/
For more information:
Michael Collins
Community Engagement Manager
207-386-6033
More about Pine Tree Camp: Founded in 1945, Pine Tree Camp, a program of the Pine Tree Society, is an American Camp Association-accredited camp for people with disabilities. Each year, hundreds of Maine children and adults with disabilities come to Pine Tree Camp in Rome and their lives are transformed. Year-round, campers experience freedom and independence by actively participating in outdoor activities such as kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, archery, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing, thanks to Pine Tree Camp’s 285-acre, fully accessible campus on North Pond. Full tuition assistance is provided. No camper has ever been turned away due to ability to pay. https://pinetreesociety.org/camp-home/
More about the Flutie Foundation: For the past 25 years, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has helped people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Through our programs and initiatives, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism improves the quality of life for people and families affected by autism. We provide opportunities for education and/or employment during the day, opportunities for physical and social activities outside of work/school, and the means to be safe, supported, and informed at all times. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism was founded in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie in honor of their son Doug Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at age three. Over the years, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has become a trusted partner for individuals and organizations – we ensure that people affected by autism receive the care they need to succeed and thrive. The Flutie Foundation has supported tens of thousands of individuals and families affected by autism through multiple programs and initiatives and by distributing over $18 million to meet the most pressing needs of the autism community. https://www.flutiefoundation.org/
Sponsors for the 2024 Flutie 5K at Pine Tree Camp include: Prime Financial, Hometown Heat Pumps, Franklin Savings Bank and Town Fair Tire.
