On Saturday, September 6th, the Benet Buddies helped out at the Naperville Trails Half Marathon and 10k to help those with intellectual disabilities. The race was held at the Danada Forest Preserve in Dupage County from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. Student volunteers helped with many different jobs such as passing out bibs at check-in, helping racers with directions, handing out water, and handing out medals when racers crossed the finish line. It was a great experience for volunteers to be able to watch hundreds of people use their time to support a great cause.

Benet Buddies is a partner of the Special Olympics. Special Olympics is a movement that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities participate in sports training and athletic competition. It was first founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver who fought for acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

Many Benet kids came out to help on Saturday, getting up as early as 6 A.M. to be there and ready to help by 7 A.M. It was a wonderful experience and inspiring to watch all the great things a person can do when they put their mind to something. Running a race takes months of training and dedication, and this was the day that all of their hard work paid off. Watching hundreds of people cross a finish line and be greeted by family and friends is something unforgettable.

The Naperville Trails Half Marathon and 10K is one of many events members of the Benet Buddies participate in. If this sounds like something you would love to be a part of, reach out to Mrs. Maras to join Benet Buddies and hopefully the next event will be filled with new members.