MightyMeals Sponsors DSANV’s First Annual Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run
By Christine Bean
Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes! MightyMeals is proud to be a sponsor of the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia’s (DSANV) first-ever Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run taking place on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton, VA.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Reinke, Director of Business Development at DSANV, to learn more about this exciting new event and why MightyMeals is an ideal local partner for the organization, helping to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Down Syndrome community.
How can people register for the event?
Matt: Anyone who is interested in participating in the Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run can register here. The 5K starts at 8:00 am and the Fun Run starts at 9:00 am. The registration fee for the 5K Run/Walk is $40 through April 13 and $45 through Race Day. The registration fee for the Fun Run is $20 through Race Day. (The 5K registration includes the Fun Run for those who want to run with their child.) Online registration will close on Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 pm. Late registrations will be accepted at packet pickup and on race day.
Why is MightyMeals an ideal sponsor for the Spring Sprint 5k Run/Walk & Fun Run?
Matt: One of the areas DSANV focuses on with our community is health and fitness. Individuals with Down Syndrome have a lower metabolism level and traditionally experience weight management challenges due to extensive calorie intake, potentially leading to obesity. DSANV offers a variety of programs for its members, such as the Cooking Club, which promotes the use of healthy ingredients and appropriate portions. They also provide other fitness-driven programs, such as Champion Football and adaptive yoga, all promoting the importance of daily exercise to help prevent weight challenges.
MightyMeals’ focus on making healthy, prepared meals more accessible makes MightyMeals an ideal partner for DSANV. In addition, its community awareness dedicated to daily exercise and fitness also assists us in helping to promote a healthy lifestyle to our Down Syndrome community and their families in the Northern Virginia region.
Where will the proceeds from this event go, and how can people donate if they can’t attend?
Matt: Proceeds from the Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run will support DSANV’s mission to ensure all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to, and achieve the fulfillment of life in their communities. We are appreciative of any donations, no matter how small! You can donate here.
Why do you love MightyMeals?
Matt: As we all know, living in the Northern Virginia area can bring challenges to people short on time due to the region’s busy day-to-day lifestyle. MightyMeals has not only created a unique and healthy prepared meal service for the NOVA community but has also become a local leader promoting healthy lifestyles for both kids and adults, the importance of nutrition, and giving back to the community.
Be sure to register today for the first-ever Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run and help make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome in the Northern Virginia community. We look forward to seeing you on race day!
About DSANV
DSANV was originally founded as MOMS in 1972. In the early 80s, the name was changed to Parents of Down Syndrome (PODS). In 2004, they became the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV). Since then, they have grown to more than 900 members representing the thousands of individuals across Northern Virginia who have Down Syndrome.
DSANV has become a trusted resource for individuals, families, friends, educators, employers, legislators, and the medical community. The organization engages a strong board of directors and a broad base of volunteer and financial support in achieving its mission to ensure that all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to, and achieve fulfillment of life in their communities. DSANV helps families adjust to the diagnosis and/or birth of a child with Down Syndrome. It provides individuals with Down Syndrome, and their families, with educational, social, and recreational programs and community events that allow families to meet, interact and learn from each other. DSANV increases community awareness of the capabilities and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome and supports local organizations that serve the Down Syndrome community.