Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program Virtual Run (5K/Fun Run)

Join us for the 1st Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program 5K and Fun Run! You can run at any location, at your pace, outside or on a treadmill, alone or with a group of friends. Train and stay active, run for a good cause and all participants get awesome medals and bibs!

A little history about the Gym.... this program originated in 2003 when a friend asked Jo-Anne Houwers: “Where are all the 15 year old autistic boys?  The only one I’ve ever seen out is yours.”

That statement started Jo-Anne thinking... she was right! Kids these days spend most of their free time in front of a tv or video game. Their parents are reluctant to take them out due to behavioral issues. As fellow parents of a handicapped child or children, we all understand and we all experience the same feelings: isolation, depression, sadness and feelings of not being able to experience memorable family time.

She wanted all of this for her son, and for ALL kids and adults with autism and any other disability! 

There is no age limit, which we have all experienced. Jo-Anne didn’t want anyone turned away, and so many other organizations charge memberships and charge fees  for each event. The one thing she is most proud of is that they do not charge anyone, never have, and the entire family is invited to events, and all disabilities and ages are welcome. 

The Jim Beech recreation center of Ocoee not only allows the Gym to use the facilities once a week, but they also started Jo-Anne off with equipment she needed! The City of Ocoee has been a great blessing to this program.