On October 5th, 2024, I participated in the first annual Flutie 5K at Belmont Lake State Park. The Flutie 5K is a run/walk supporting and raising money for individuals with autism. I heard of the run from the organization I intern for, Autism Communities, who wanted me to attend it as part of my internship. Me, my father, and my twin sister went to the run/walk. 

Upon entering Belmont Lake State Park, I noticed there were several people who had autism there, along with their allistic family members and supporters. Lots of people wore T-shirts showing their support for autistic people. Aside from Autism Communities, there were also several organizations that helped autistic people at the run, including Community Mainstreaming Associates, the Elijah Foundation, and Hangout: One Happy Place.

My dad and I participated in the run. I walked, while my dad ran. My dad really loves to run, and has been in several races in the past, most notably doing the Elizabeth T. McNamee run in West Islip every year. I’ve been trying to improve my fitness level, especially during ComHab, so it was great to walk in this event. It was also nice to take a morning walk in the woods with other people who were autistic.

Besides the run, there were several performances. A band called Kool Spectrum played two songs prior to the race, as well as playing some songs at two points during the race. An autistic singer named Natalie Kaiser performed two songs, P!nk’s “Bridge of Light” from the movie Happy Feet 2, and “Love Power” from the movie Disenchanted. There also were dancers from Hangout: One Happy Place.

This race empowered me in a way. It was amazing seeing all of these people participating in the run and performing. All those times that I’ve been told I couldn’t do anything or my mind told me that I wouldn’t overcome things didn’t matter when I was at this event. I felt like I could do anything on this day, even walk quite a distance! I hope some people from YAI can take part in this race if it happens next year.