The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the 2021 Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group, originally scheduled for May 22, has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2021.
Participants can still register for the Eagles Autism Challenge by visiting EaglesAutismChallenge.org.
This year's event will transform into a celebratory weekend of festivities – branded as "Eagles Autism Challenge Weekend" – beginning with the annual kick-off party for participants at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, August 20. The fourth annual Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group will take place on Saturday, August 21 and will see bikers, runners, and walkers navigate a scenic journey around the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs, ending at Lincoln Financial Field for the traditional post-ride celebration. All Eagles Autism Challenge participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the team's second Training Camp public practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, August 22 at 7:00 pm.
"This past year challenged all of us in so many different ways, but despite those obstacles, our commitment to the autism community continued on," said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation. "From raising more than $260,000 through the Eagles Fan Cutout program to organizing the city's first COVID-19 vaccination clinic for individuals with autism, our impact in 2020 was made possible thanks to the incredible support of everyone who believes in our mission. So we are grateful to have this opportunity over 'Eagles Autism Challenge Weekend' to bring our community together again and thank them for their dedication to turning autism awareness into action."
The Eagles Autism Challenge is a one-day bike ride and family-friendly 5K Run/Walk that begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field. The event features three cycling routes – the Wawa Junior 10-Mile Ride, Wawa Shorti 30-Mile Ride, and the Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride. For families and participants with sensory challenges, a Sensory Walk is offered to provide a shorter course around the outside perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field. And for those who want to fundraise but are unable to ride, run, or walk on event day, there is a virtual participant option.
Participants returning to Lincoln Financial Field from their routes are welcomed back to an on-field celebration, family-friendly field activities, and an awards ceremony featuring special guests. Participants receive a cycling jersey or 5K t-shirt, finish line medal, and a complimentary gift bag. Exclusive experience prizes and autographed memorabilia will be offered to participants who reach certain fundraising milestones.
One hundred percent of participant-raised funds from the Eagles Autism Challenge will continue to benefit institutions specializing in autism research.
The team's signature fundraising event, which started with Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie's vision to bring people together to support the autism community, has raised more than $10 million for cutting-edge autism research and programs since 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to fund innovative research, drive scientific breakthroughs and provide critical resources, all in an effort to create a major shift from awareness to action.
Through fundraising efforts associated with the Eagles Autism Challenge, a total of 43 research projects and community grants have been funded for exploratory work in the field of autism.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 54 people living in the United States are on the autism spectrum. Autism is a complex neurological and developmental condition that expresses itself differently in each individual. The spectrum can range from having challenges in the areas of social skills and nonverbal communication to repetitive interests and behaviors. While it has become one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the country, it has historically been underfunded, misunderstood, and under-researched.
Additional event information for new and existing Eagles Autism Challenge participants can be found by visiting EaglesAutismChallenge.org.
About Eagles Autism Foundation
The Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for innovative autism research and programs. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism as well as future generations. The Foundation aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much-needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism. Please visit EaglesAutismFoundation.org.
