Olympic gold medalist coming to Concord, NC

A weekend of special events, featuring a 4-time Olympic athlete, is coming to the North Mecklenburg / Concord area on October 3rd and 4th you dont want to miss this!

World champion triathlete, Sheila Taormina, will be the keynote speaker at a Saturday, Oct 3 dinner. Sheila (www.sheilat.com) won a gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in 4x200 freestyle relay and also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic triathlons and the 2008 Beijing games in the modern pentathlon. She is the only woman to compete in three distinctly different Olympic events. Sheila will be bringing her gold medal for photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera along. Along with a delicious pasta dinner, and Sheila’s inspirational message, you can also enjoy browsing a silent auction, participating in family-friendly activities with the kids, and more. Dinner proceeds will benefit the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA.org), a 501c3 organization. The dinner is a pre-race event in preparation for the 2nd Annual Take Flight Triathlon on Sunday morning the 4th. Last year’s race was a huge success with over 500 registered athletes, and this year’s race will be even more competitive as the field has been opened up to 800 participants. Take Flight proceeds will benefit Garrett’s Wings Foundation (garrettswings.org), a 501c3 organization. Two different events with one common theme: supporting families of children with life threatening illnesses and finding a cure for Batten Disease. Dinner specifics: Saturday, Oct 3. 5:00pm – 8:00 pm Harris Road Middle School, Concord, NC Open to the public as well as registered triathletes and their families. We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets: $15 in advance ($10 for ages 3-12) $20 at the door Triathlon specifics: Sprint Series Event. Sunday, Oct 4. Nomad Aquatics Center, Huntersville, NC Triathlon registration To volunteer at Saturday night dinner: Contact Andy Brown at andy.brown@wachovia.com To volunteer at Sunday morning triathlon: Contact Marie Reedy at mareedy@davidson.edu For more info, for sponsorship opportunities or to donate auction items (theme baskets, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, etc.): Contact Chris Hawkins at 704-756-0521 or Monica Hughes at seaweed@ctc.net. Visit ourboysjourney.com to learn more about two local brothers with Batten Disease.

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501c3 organization dedicated to supporting families with children affected with Batten Disease, a fatal childhood disorder. The BDSRA also funds research searching for a cure for this degenerative disease.