5K run, baseball game to support NubAbility Athletics Foundation

Runners and baseball fans have two opportunities coming up to support NubAbility Athletics Foundation, a Southern Illinois-based nonprofit serving children with limb differences.

NubAbility will host its first 5K walk/run Saturday, July 19, as part of the organization's annual All-Sport Summer Camp. Participants will compete on an out-and-back course that takes them through parts of the scenic Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The event begins at 8 a.m., with registration and check-in starting at 6:45 at the Du Quoin High School football field.

Awards will be given to top finishers in various age and gender categories at the completion of the race. Participants who register by July 1 will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Registration is $25 until July 1 and $30 after and can be completed online at www.eventbrite.com or by picking up a form at the Du Quoin State Bank or Alongi's restaurant. Children 10 and under are eligible for a one-mile fun run at a registration cost of $15.

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Marsha Morganstern at 618-201-0509.

Also, on Saturday, June 28, the Southern Illinois Miners will host NubAbility Athletics Night at Rent One Park in Marion. Fans can see the 2012 Frontier League champions in action while supporting a special brand of athletes.

Tickets for the 6:05 p.m. game can be purchased through the Nub Wear shop at www.nubability.org, at the Horace Mann office in Du Quoin by arrangement or from any teller at the Du Quoin State Bank on Southtowne Street or Main Street Bank in Du Quoin. Fans purchasing tickets for the game through the Rent One Park box office can also specify they are doing so in support of NubAbility.

Funds raised from these two events support the All-Sport Summer Camp, which will bring nearly 100 limb-different youth and coaches from across the country to Southern Illinois. Coaches include Eric Westover, starting goalie for the U.S. Amputee World Cup soccer team; 2013 Miss Iowa Nicole Kelly; former WWE superstar Zach Gowen and Du Quoin's own Sam Kuhnert, who helped pitch Morthland College's baseball team to tournament play in its inaugural season.

Coaches spend three days providing full-on athletic support and training to the youth, teaching them they can play with less and still win. Sports featured at camp include football, baseball and softball, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, dance and cheer, soccer and more.

For more information about NubAbility, visit www.nubability.org or facebook.com/nubability.