OARacle Newsletter

OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM offers a DIY – Athletic Events program that allows you to participate in any run, walk, triathlon, or other athletic event and dedicate your activity to fundraising for OAR. Simply sign up for the event you choose and start asking family, friends, and others to sponsor you as raise funds for autism research.

The Team Michael Autism Awareness 5K is an inspiring DIY example. Michael Cleary, the captain of Team Michael, is a healthy and happy autistic 19-year-old. He began going for walks with his dad during the pandemic, then began running and walking, and graduated to running laps six days a week. decided to take up long-distance running during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a few months, he was ready for his first 5K as part of the RUN DIY program.

His dad, Dave McCleary, started Team Michael in 2014. Michael has captained Team Michael for four annual 5K runs that have raised over $20,000 for OAR with the event growing every year. Over 200 individuals attended the 2023 event on April 16 to run, walk, fundraise, and learn more about autism. Michael’s loved ones describe him as having a “I don’t quit” mindset that has helped fuel the team and the event.

Team Michael is committed to inclusion. Participants started the 5K run/walk at their convenience so those with sensory challenges did not have to wait in a crowd to start. The event took place at the high school track to eliminate the safety concerns that come with vehicular traffic. The enclosed stadium also mitigated elopement issues.

Join Team Michael and many others as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM  2023 DIY team by taking up an activity of your own and helping to fund autism research!