In the Auburn-Opelika area, multiple organizations have dedicated missions: to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled residents. Saturday, Feb. 22, these groups banded together to advance their cause with Auburn's 25th annual Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride.
Lauren Swindle, senior in special education and last year's president of Auburn University's Best Buddies, was involved with the organization for her entire four years at Auburn.
As one of the larger chapters in the country, the Auburn Best Buddies, served people with physical and developmental disabilities.
This year, 85 "buddies" were matched with Auburn students to achieve a one-on-one friendship.
"My buddy, Miss Anne, is 49 and has Down syndrome, but she's a ball of energy," Swindle said. "She has given me such a clear definition of loving another person. She will be at my wedding one day, at my graduation and all through my life. That's what Best Buddies is all about."
Best Buddies tries to provide friendship and inclusion for everyone involved.
Swindle's presidential duties allowed her to communicate with the college students, the buddies and their families to make sure everything went smoothly and that everyone got the care and attention they needed.
Best Buddies is one of the three charities benefiting from the annual Love Your Heart Run. Buddies use the money to help with the running of their various events, such as their Valentine's Dance.
Saturday, Feb. 22, was Auburn's 25th annual Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride.
The beneficiaries were Buddies, the Special Olympics of Lee County and the Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Therapeutic Camp. Exceptional Outreach Organization and the City of Auburn sponsored the run, with all proceeds going to these organizations.
Mayor Bill Ham began the race by announcing Saturday as Love Your Heart Run Day.
"We were excited about the great weather which would mean a great turnout," said Jessie King, EOO Race Director.
This year's attendance was more than 500 people, according to Dana Stewart, special programs coordinator of the Summer Therapeutic Day Camp.
The Summer Therapeutic Day Camp caters to children with Down syndrome, Autism and other disabilities. The camp lasts for seven weeks during the summer and takes the children on field trips, lets them swim and even go to the bowling alley.
"We took the kids to the University Vet School and taught them about taking care of the horses," Stewart said. "We took them to the Blue Bell factory since it has to do with dairy and cows, and they got to see a horse show in Montgomery."
Lee County Special Olympics has been around since the 1960s when organizations formed across the country, according to Allison Hall, community and special programs director for the Parks and Recreation Department.
It currently has 250 active athletes in aquatics, track and field, basketball, bowling, flag-football, golf, power lifting and volleyball. Hall said the group plans to add softball this spring.
Last Feb. 1, the LCSP raised $10,000 at the Polar Plunge. With this money and the money raised at the run, Hall said they are sending 20 coaches and athletes to the national games in Princeton, N. J.
Hall can be reached at the Parks and Recreation and said all volunteer coaches are welcome. You don't have to be a professional, Hall said. "You just need some passion.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
