Byrd and Bear 5K for Autism Awareness

Run! Walk!! Crawl!!! for Autism Awareness

As many as 1 in 44 children may be diagnosed with autism in the United States.

Tryon, NC. April 1, 2023. Ryan Byrd and Sophia Smart are hosting a 5K trail race to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina and raise awareness about autism.

This event is for runners, non-runners, adults, children, and anyone who wants to support a good cause. There will be music, food, and fun for all ages.

Ryan and Sophia are students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro, NC. Ryan, a senior, and Sophia, a sophomore, are both members of Thomas Jefferson’s cross-country team. Sophia tells how this event came to be: “A couple months ago, in the midst of cross-country season, Ryan and I decided we should take something we love doing

(most of the time) and use it to make a positive impact on something we care about.

After months of planning and putting the puzzle together…. the BYRD AND BEAR 5K WAS BORN.”

The Autism Society of North Carolina defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as ”a group of developmental disabilities that are typically associated with challenges of varying severity in the areas of social interaction, communication, and repetitive/restricted behaviors.”

Signs of autism commonly appear in children by the age of three. More than 5.4 million US adults have been diagnosed with ASD.

You can make a difference in the lives of people with autism, their families, and their communities by registering for the Byrd and Bear 5K, donating to Autism Society, and recruiting family and friends to join us on April 1st! Challenge

Crossword Puzzle

your co-workers! ALL proceeds from the race will benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Register or make donations on RunSignUp.com at: https://runsignup.com/ Race/NC/Tryon/BandB5K4Autism.

Register by March 10 to receive a race T-shirt!

If you want to be a sponsor or have questions, please email us at bandb5k4autism@gmail.com.

Follow Sophia’s advice, “RUN! WALK!! CRAWL!!! However you plan to finish, join us April 1st at our first ever 5K for autism awareness! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR APRIL FIRST!”

About the Autism Society of North Carolina:

The Autism Society of North Carolina improves the lives of individuals with autism, supports their families, and educates communities. Over 40,000 individuals and their families receive direct services from the Autism Society of North Carolina.