FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University student-athletes of multiple sports, as well as NSU athletic staff, participated in the Sallarulo's Race for Champions 5K on Saturday, Nov. 7. This annual event took place on the NSU campus and worked in conjunction with the Special Olympics Florida Broward County group to make it happen.    
 
The event kicked off with the 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. and continued throughout the day with a carnival that served free food, presented giveaways and had special performances post-race. The event, which helps fund Special Olympics projects, included the presence of the Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Jack Seiler. Alongside were many organizational groups and individuals that woke up early to support the cause.
 
Darren Hendricks, senior thrower for the track and field Sharks, crossed the finish line with ease and said, "It is fun to participate at an event like this and see all the thousands of people come out and support the Special Olympics, the Sallarullo family and their race for champions."
 
NSU student-athletes and athletic staff were also among those that participated in this special event. The athletes and staff represented the institution very well and some even got recognition for their outstanding performance in the 5K.
 
Junior rower for the Sharks, Sarah Woelfer was one of the student-athletes that prior to the race had the winning mindset. Her preparation and hard work ethic allowed her to be one on the list of top finishers in the women's division.
 
Her thoughts after the race were, "It feels great to finish in third place here at this amazing 5K race, and it was difficult but fun in the end."
 
The mission of events organized by Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
 
Graduate Assistant coach for track and field at NSU, Charles Johnson also shared his thoughts after crossing the finish line, "It was a great experience! The community with all of the sports teams walking together with all the other athletes and just being out here with everyone being a part of the race is a good feeling, It was a good environment and good atmosphere on a beautiful day."