This year’s event invites the public to join “Team Paterno”
NORRISTOWN – A Penn State Blue-White Weekend tradition continues! Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities will take part in the Third Annual Beaver Stadium 5K Run/Family Fun Walk in Honor of Joe Paterno at Penn State University on Sunday, April 22, to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Presented by Chesapeake Energy, the Run will begin in front of the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) on Curtin Road at 11 a.m., move through Penn State’s scenic campus, and conclude with runners racing through the Beaver Stadium Tunnel and onto the Nittany Lions’ home turf to “finish at the fifty.”
In honor of Joe Paterno, the run will now feature five new incentive levels linked to his greatest achievements both on and off the field. All participants will automatically become members of “Team Paterno” by simply reaching the minimum fundraising level of $62 (in honor of Paterno’s seasons with Penn State University).
“Team Paterno” is not an actual running team but an honorary event team achieved by reaching an individual fundraising level of $62 and above. At the $62 fundraising level, participants will receive a one of a kind long?sleeved, blue and white Paterno Tribute shirt. “Team Paterno” members can also receive additional “JoePa” inspired items by reaching any of the below listed incentive levels.
Team Paterno Incentives:
$62 – Team Paterno ? In honor of Joe’s 62 seasons at Penn State.
Special Memorial Long Sleeved T?Shirt
$85 – Team Paterno Bronze – In honor of Joe’s years of life.
Special Memorial Long Sleeved T?Shirt and Paterno Tribute Coffee Mug from Dunkin Donuts.
$239 – Team Paterno Silver – The number of Paterno coached players drafted into the NFL.
Special Memorial Long Sleeved T?Shirt and Paterno Tribute 48 x 53 fleece stadium blanket.
$409 – Team Paterno Gold – In honor of Joe’s career wins – an NCAA coaching record.
Special Memorial Long Sleeved T?Shirt and an invitation for you (plus one guest) to attend an exclusive breakfast with the Paterno Family and PSU Football alumni the morning of the event.
$548 – Team Paterno Platinum ? In honor of Joe’s career games coached.
Receive all Gold Level items, plus a Paterno Tribute Hooded Sweatshirt.
Over the course of two decades, Joe and Sue Paterno have been significant fans of Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) through both financial and volunteer support. Joe has served as an Honorary Chair for the SOPA Summer Games, spoken during special events, and endorsed the participation of his Penn State football team at Special Olympics events.
Sue Paterno began her more than 20 year labor of love with Special Olympics athletes in 1989 by joining the Board of Directors. Their commitments to SOPA athletes have been unwavering, and this year’s Run will be used as a way to honor Joe Paterno.
The Beaver Stadium Run is a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) event that will include individuals from law enforcement, Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) athletes, various Penn State University athletes and organizations, and the community. For those not up to running a 5K, a one-mile Family Fun Run/Walk will coincide. Both conclude on the Beaver Stadium field at the 50 Yard Line. More than 1,600 runners and walkers took part in the Second Annual event, raising more than $86,000.
Run/Walk Fees are as follows: pre-registration is $25; families of 5 are $100; race day registration is $35; entry into Beaver Stadium (with T-shirt) is $20; and entry into Beaver Stadium (without T-shirt) is $10. All participants will receive an official Beaver Stadium Run T-shirt, bottled water and other refreshments. Participants are also eligible for “Team Paterno” gifts and prizes. Race day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and race starts at 11 a.m.
The 2012 Beaver Stadium Run event sponsors include: Chesapeake Energy; Comcast; University Orthopedics Center; Sheetz, Inc.; Trau & Loevner; Victory Sports and Fitness; Sam’s Club; Dante’s Restaurants; The Paterno Family & The Paterno Foundation; Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau; Harmelin Media; B94.5; and WTAJ.
To register, visit www.StadiumRun.org. Participants can raise additional funds online by creating their own fundraising page to garner support from their friends, family and co-workers. For more information or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call Demika Poole at 610-630-9450, ext. 226.
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 22 Olympic-type sports to more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. For more information on how you can “Be a fan” of SOPA, visit our Web site at www.specialolympicspa.org .