The 2nd Annual inclusive 5K Walk/Run to support WeEMBRACE, a  non-profit organization dedicated to fostering equal opportunities for people with disabilities is set to take place this  Saturday, June 10 at Econome Park in Folsom. 

Participant check-in commences at 8:30 AM, with the walk starting promptly at 9:30 AM. 

This year’s walk continues the quest to bolster inclusivity and diversity within our community, making a significant impact on both individuals with disabilities and those without. This event is the primary fundraiser for WeEMBRACE. 

In 2018, Meena Kalyanasundaram and Somasundaram Sundararajan founded WeEMBRACE with a vision to see every individual, regardless of their abilities, included and valued in society. As Meena Kalyanasundaram said herself, “some families of children and adults with different abilities tend to isolate themselves after receiving an unfavorable diagnosis, and in doing so, take away opportunities from their child. This is one of the biggest reasons why I have been advocating awareness.” 

Since its inception in 2018, WeEMBRACE has successfully hosted numerous virtual and in-person classes, adaptive sports, and a unique buddy match program. This program fosters friendship and mutual understanding by pairing individuals with disabilities with those without. Complementing these endeavors are their annual signature events like talent shows, resource fairs, and sports days, all geared towards boosting awareness and equal opportunity in the community.

The Inclusive 5K Walk/Run is planned to capture the spirit of WeEMBRACE and ensure that participation is accessible to all individuals. The inaugural event in 2022 took place on Thanksgiving Day in Rancho Cordova. In our community, there have been annual Turkey Trots and other Thanksgiving 5K runs, but these events have overlooked the inclusion of people with disabilities, depriving many individuals of the opportunity to participate. This realization inspired the idea to organize an inclusive 5K walk that caters to individuals with disabilities, while still preserving the traditional experience of Turkey Trots.

This event is now relocated to Econome Park in Folsom. Although it is no longer a Thanksgiving Day walk/run, it continues to serve the same purpose of fostering inclusion within our community.

Participants can register for the event at https://www.weembracefamilies.org/inclusive5kwalk

Donations play a crucial role in the success of WeEMBRACE’s mission. All donations received will directly contribute to the enhancement and enrichment of the lives of children and adults with disabilities. With your generosity, WeEMBRACE can continue to deliver social, leisure, and recreational programs, among others, in the pursuit of a more inclusive society.

Please come, participate. Together, let us take strides towards a more inclusive and diverse community.

Se the official event link here for more info https://www.weembracefamilies.org/inclusive5kwal

About WeEMBRACE

WeEMBRACE is a non-profit organization committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity, enabling people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as those without. The founders, board members, and volunteers at WeEMBRACE work tirelessly to challenge social boundaries and foster an environment where every individual feels valued and embraced.