5K, Family Field Day set July 9 at Metropark to raise funds for DUO

The second-annual DUO (Do Unto Others) 5K & Family Field Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tulip Tree Picnic Area of Lower Huron Metropark, 17845 Savage Road, Belleville.
The Wayne-Westland DUO is a nonprofit organization that supports the local special needs community, including those in Belleville, and this day is presented in memory of Ashley Sherman.
Early Bird registration is now open for the group’s largest fund raising event of the year.
The event provides a complimentary lunch to all participants at noon. The 5K fun run/walk features a scenic out and back course with electronic timing and finisher medals.
The Family Field Day activities include a nature walk, organized volleyball and kickball games, arts and crafts, and much more.
“The best part of our 5K and Family Field Day is seeing all of the participants – those with special needs and those without – cheering each other on, running side by side, and high-fiving on the kickball field,” said Stacy Kessel, DUO president and co-founder.
“We all can stand to have a little more joy in our lives and this event brings it to each and every participant.”
Last year, the event helped raise funds to provide 11 community outings for DUO’s special needs members and their families, new athletic jerseys for the local Special Olympics athletes and various sports equipment for their teams. The organization also moved into a new office space in the Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center in Westland’s Norwayne neighborhood.
Register online for the event at www.DUO5K.racewire.com . Cost is $35 (on-site $40) for the 5K and Family Field Day and $10 for the Family Field Day only. Group homes and individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families are encouraged to participate and may call (734) 404-8778 or email [email protected] to inquire about the $5 Special Needs rate.