Mariners Give Back at Strides Road Race
WATERFORD, Conn. – Members of the Mitchell College men's basketball and baseball teams recently spent a meaningful morning volunteering at the 48th Annual Jack O'Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race, held on the first Sunday in October.
The event, organized by The Arc Eastern Connecticut, raises funds to support programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region. Participants of all ages took part in a variety of race options, including 5K and 10K runs, as well as a Family Fun Run, Walk, or Roll. The races were hosted at Camp Harkness, a coastal recreational facility in Waterford that serves people with disabilities.
Mitchell College student-athletes volunteered in several roles throughout the day—directing runners along the course, distributing water, assembling food kits, and cheering on participants.
"The lessons of hard work and dedication learned through being a part of the basketball and baseball teams at Mitchell College find their truest meaning when giving back to the community," said Todd Peretz, head coach of the men's basketball team. "Volunteering at the Strides Road Race is not about winning, but about giving the gift of support and encouragement to all the participants and organizers of this wonderful event."
The Strides Road Race was first held in the late 1970s and is named in honor of Jack O'Keefe, the first Seaside Regional Center recreation director who organized the inaugural race.
