Military Dad in Afghanistan will run on St. Patrick’s Day for Special Olympics here

Half way around the world on Saint Patrick’s Day, a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander will hit the ground running to help raise money for a worthy cause in our area.

Steven Bailey has served in the military for 24 years. He’s currently a mentor to the director for administration at the National Military Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Although he’s away from his family in Gainesville, he’ll be with them in spirit on Saturday, March 17, during the Gainesville Middle School 5K Race and 1 mile Fun Run.

“It’s a great opportunity to show support to both the Special Olympics and GVMS,” he said. “Given the time difference, pending weather and any security issues, I hope to run [in Afghanistan] the same day [as the event in Gainesville].”

Bailey said it’s just one of the ways he’s staying involved with his children across the miles, while supporting Gainesville Middle and a great cause. The race proceeds will go toward starting a Special Olympics group in our area.

Bailey’s wife, Cynthia, is a retired commander from the U.S. Navy. Their daughters are Rachel, in sixth grade at Gainesville Middle, and Lauren, in third grade, and Danielle, in second grade, at Glenkirk Elementary School. Supporting the Special Olympics is a cause close to the family’s hearts. Bailey said his cousin, Chris Lesperance, has been a longtime participant of the Special Olympics.

Bailey should have no problem completing the 5K; he’s run dozens of half-marathons and marathons, and even a couple of triathlons. 
A Gainesville resident of eight years, Natasha Sreekanth heads the event committee volunteers and expects 200 participants for the 5K and about 150 participants in the 1 mile fun run. Registration is open at http://www.signmeup.com/80794.

Race packets can be picked up at 5-8 p.m., Thursday, March 15, at Gainesville Middle; 5-8 p.m., Friday, March 16, at The Running Store; 7:35 a.m., Saturday, March 17, at Gainesville Middle. The Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. at Gainesville Middle.
“It brings the community together to support a great cause,” said Sreekanth. “This is an annual event, and we hope local businesses will continue to support us in the future.”

Among the top supporters is NOVEC. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s HELPS group is proud to be a gold sponsor. “One of our goals is to make a positive contribution to our local community. By supporting the run, we reach this goal in multiple ways.  We see the local community coming together to promote physical activity and contributing to a great cause like the Special Olympics,” said Ginger Hamlin, a member of NOVEC HELPS since it began four years ago and the parent of a GVMS student.

For more information on the 5K e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).