Walk for the Gold is one of the premier events for Special Olympics Northern California. This non-competitive walk, to be held at Hacienda on Saturday, October 14 at 8:00 am, will bring together participants of all ages throughout the Bay Area to promote the spirit of friendship and fitness. Walkers create awareness for the Special Olympics and raise money by gaining sponsorships from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and business associates.

Corporate Community Participation

The event begins with the corporate community, but it does not stop there. Hacienda's ANG Tri-Valley Herald is one of the major sponsors of the event. Employees' families and friends, Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and even the general public can participate. Special Olympics athletes representing 17 Olympic type sports join walkers in the walk. Corporate teams consisting of 10 or more walkers register and collect pledges to walk. There is no limit on the number of walk teams a corporation or organization can have.

Benefits for SONC

The Walk for the Gold goal raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC), East Bay Region. Special Olympics programs are not federally funded and are entirely free to participants. Training and competitions exist because of the generous support of businesses and individuals. More than 1,200 athletes participate in the East Bay, which provides year round sports training and competition in 17 Olympic type sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Join in the Fun

Registration for the event is at 8:00 am at Harvest Park Middle School at 4900 Valley Avenue in Pleasanton. Walkers can take part in either a 3k walk or a 5k walk. Both walks begin at Harvest Park Middle School and continue on Valley Avenue to Hopyard Road. The walkers participating in the 3k walk will turn around once they reach Parkside Drive and follow the route back to Harvest Park Middle School. The walkers participating in the 5k walk continue on Hopyard Road to West Las Positas Boulevard and then to Willow Road. The 5k walk turns around at Thomas Hart Middle School and follows the route back to Harvest Park Middle School.

Additional Information

Additional information and entry forms can be obtained from Special Olympics Northern California, East Bay Region. For details on participation or event materials, please use the contact information below.

Contact Information

Kristina Knudsen
Special Olympics Northern California, East Bay Region
7700 Edgewater Boulevard, Suite 800, Oakland, California  94621
(510) 553-9833 x30 phone     (510) 553-0432 fax
kristina@sonc.org e-mail     www.sonc.org WWW

Hacienda Owners Association
4473 Willow Road, Suite 105, Pleasanton, California  94588-8570
(925) 734-6500 phone     (925) 734-6501 fax
info@hacienda.org e-mail     www.hacienda.org WWW