Are you a Mahoning Valley Warrior? Saturday athletic challenge raising funds for Autism Society
The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley is set to host its third annual fundraising competition Mahoning Valley Warrior ‘22 at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
The challenge is set for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Road. Attendees should enter the fairgrounds through Gate No. 2. Events will be near the grandstand.
The competition raises funds for the society, which was locally founded in 1989 and offers programming for autistic children and adults in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties and works with schools, therapy centers, community organizations and government agencies to connect them with resources, according to a news release.
Its programming can cost about $75,000 a year, according to the society.
Regional athletes and their friends and families can compete as individuals or in groups in any or all of the four events, including the Valley Autism 5K, the People-Powered Tractor Pull and strongman competitions. They’ll vie for bragging rights as well as a champion’s belt and a $250 cash prize.
The strongman competition Throwdown in the Rustbelt is a separate fundraiser “for the strongest of the strong,” reads the release. Proceeds will benefit the society.
New to this year’s Warrior event is a Family Fun Fair, supported by the Knapp Center for Childhood Development, which includes a 1-mile Autism Support Walk, a children’s carnival with games, a petting zoo, food and a Special Needs Resource Fair.
Here’s the schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Special Needs Resource Fair and kids’ entertainment
- 9 a.m.: Valley Autism 5K
- 10:30 a.m.: Kids Fun Run
- 10:45 a.m.: Autism Support Walk
- 11 a.m.: People-Powered Tractor Pull begins
- 11:15 a.m.: Strongman event begins