Developmentally Disabled Athlete Promotes Workforce Inclusion At the Mission Inn Run
Robbie Silver | Director of Communications, The Arc of Riverside County
Email: rsilver@arcriverside.org | Office: 951-275-5344 ext. 225
Heather Ford | Director of Marketing & Development, Mission Inn Foundation & Museum
Email: ford@missioninnmuseum.org | Office 951-781-8241
For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Developmentally Disabled Athlete Promotes Workforce Inclusion
At the Mission Inn Run
Riverside, CA – Jeffrey Baldwin, 38, does not let Down Syndrome define who he is. Jeffrey was the first disabled individual to be included in the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame. He also participated in Special Olympics where his team received a silver medal in floor hockey during the South Korea competition. To continue his personal mission of proving that those with developmental disabilities can accomplish anything, Jeffrey along with his father, Dan will be running a 5k race in the Mission Inn Foundation’s 39th Annual Mission Inn Run on November 13, 2016.
Baldwin was inspired by the rich history of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a National Historic Landmark. “The stained glass windows of the chapel and the many photographs in the halls are my favorite parts.” To change the conversation about how the community and employers look at people with disabilities, Jeffrey and Dan are participating in the Mission Inn Run to raise awareness and inspire businesses to hire someone with a disability. Jeffrey receives services through The Arc of Riverside County where he maintains a job. “I love working because it makes me feel good about myself. I can proudly say ‘I earn a paycheck’,” says Baldwin.
Jeffrey and Dan have been training for the upcoming Mission Inn Run, Southern California tradition by running and walking around their neighborhood, lifting weights and swimming at a local gym. “I know it will be hard and a challenge but I will finish. I want people to see that those with disabilities can do anything, and I want to encourage business to hire people like me who want to work hard.” says Baldwin.
Come to the Mission Inn Run on November 13, 2016 in downtown Riverside to see Jeffrey and Dan cross the finish line.
About the Mission Inn Run:
This signature event is a Southern California tradition, which offers a 5k, 10k, and a ½ marathon. The course winds through historic parks and sites, making it a picturesque event for participants and spectators. Over 4,000 runners are expected to participate. The event kicks-off on Saturday, November 12, 2016 with the Clark’s Nutrition Health & Fitness Expo, live demonstrations, vendors, and a bench press competition. On Sunday morning, November 13, 2016, is race day! The Health & Fitness Expo continues and at the Finish Line Festival, awards will go to the overall men and women in each race and to the top three males and females finishers in each age division. Families are encouraged to have their children participate in the 1/2k or 1k events and have lots of fun at the Kids Fitness Festival sponsored by Grove Community Church.
