The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the third annual Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group – originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020 – has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2020.
With the health and safety of all participants as a top priority, several aspects of the Eagles Autism Challenge have been modified for September 26. The Wawa Junior 10-Mile Ride, Wawa Shorti 30-Mile Ride, and the Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride, in addition to the Five Below 5K Run/Walk and Five Below Sensory Walk will feature staggered start times to spread out the number of participants throughout the morning. In addition, the finish line has been moved from the field to the perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field and a virtual post-ride celebration will replace the traditional on-field festivities.
If circumstances prevent an in-person gathering on September 26, the Eagles Autism Challenge will move to an all-virtual format.
"While the overall Eagles Autism Challenge experience that we have all grown accustomed to over the years will look a little different in September, our commitment to the autism community and dedication to funding the most innovative autism research will not change," said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. "Like many in our communities, families and individuals with autism have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They need our support now more than ever. As we turn to Saturday, September 26, we look forward to providing a safe environment for all participants and celebrating yet another transformational day with everyone."
In addition to the staggered start times, other safety measures will be implemented, including mandatory mask requirements for all staff members, hand sanitizer stations, and individually packaged food and beverage. Additional safety precautions will be communicated to participants prior to the event. The Eagles Autism Foundation will continue to monitor developments and will make all the necessary adjustments based on applicable guidance and requirements.
On Monday, September 28, NBC10 Philadelphia will air a 30-minute special at 7:30 PM Eastern Time recapping the third annual Eagles Autism Challenge, the weekend's celebratory festivities and remarks from Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.
The team's signature fundraising event, which started with Lurie's vision to bring people together to support the autism community, has raised more than $9 million for cutting-edge autism research and programs since 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to fund innovative research, drive scientific breakthroughs, and provide critical resources, all in an effort to create a major shift from awareness to action.
New and existing participants are encouraged to visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of www.EaglesAutismChallenge.org for more information.
Through the Eagles Autism Foundation's mission to improve lives and support the most impactful autism research and care, community grants of $5,000 to $25,000 are offered annually to registered 501(c)(3) organizations in the Philadelphia area serving a direct need in the autism community. Community grants promote local services that enhance the lives of those affected by autism, expand the capacity of organizations to effectively serve the autism community and increase the services available to individuals with autism.
Given the current economic landscape and the pressing need for individual and family services, the 2020 Community Grant application process has been moved up for qualified organizations beginning on Thursday, June 25, 2020. All applications will need to be submitted by Thursday, August 20, 2020.
"Many organizations throughout our city are seeking immediate assistance and funding right now due to challenges presented by the pandemic," said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation. "We want to support them and amplify their efforts as best we can so that they can fully serve every member of the autism community."
Special consideration will be given to applications that specifically address the needs of underserved regions, which include non-English speaking populations and other vulnerable groups.
The Community Grant application can be accessed by visiting www.EaglesAutismFoundation.org.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 54 people under the age of 21 living in the United States are on the autism spectrum. Autism is a complex neurological and developmental condition that expresses itself differently in each individual. The spectrum can range from having challenges in the areas of social skills and nonverbal communication to repetitive interests and behaviors. While it has become one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the country, it has historically been underfunded, misunderstood, and under-researched.
Through fundraising efforts associated with the Eagles Autism Challenge, a total of 25 research projects and community grants have been funded for exploratory work in the field of autism.
Take a look at the best photos from this year's Eagles Autism Challenge!
SWOOP gets things started at the 2019 Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie and his wife Tina with a group of participants before the Eagles Autism Challenge
Pedaling away
Doug Pederson taking a selfie with one of the many fans in attendance
SWOOP hanging out with a couple of the participants
Carson Wentz posing with one of the participants
Ready to ride
Riders starting off the event at Lincoln Financial Field
Zach Ertz with a young Eagles fan
And they're off
Thumbs up
Lane Johnson autographing a lucky fan's Eagles Autism Challenge jersey
The Eagles Cheerleaders, SWOOP, and a few of the riders
Carson Wentz speaking with a young fan
Lane Johnson hanging out with a couple of fans
Eagles President Don Smolenski and SWOOP have each other's backs
One of the many riders in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Off they go
Carson Wentz posing for a selfie
Off to the races
Chatting it up before the event
SWOOP hanging out with a pair of riders
Eagles President Don Smolenski begins his 50-mile ride
Nelson Agholor hanging out with one of the many fans
Eagles President Don Smolenski and SWOOP giving each other a high five
Zach Ertz posing for a photo
Almost time to ride
Eagles Cheerleaders
Eagles President Don Smolenski
Eagles President Don Smolenski and Eagles Autism Challenge Executive Director Ryan Hammond
Zach Ertz, Carson Wentz, and SWOOP
Head coach Doug Pederson kicking off the festivities
Doug Pederson being interviewed by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio
SWOOP and Carson Wentz being the life of the party
Carson Wentz signing an autograph
Nelson Agholor hitching a ride
Doug Pederson signing an autograph
Nelson Agholor taking a photo with a happy fan
Doug Pederson being interviewed by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio
Participants beginning their run in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Harold Carmichael with a couple of fans
The runners beginning their portion of the Eagles Autism Challenge
Jason Kelce with Eagles Autism Ambassador Ben Hartranft
What a beautiful mustache
Assistant quarterback coach Spencer Phillips and Coaches assistant Nick Williams working together on a tandem bike
SWOOP making sure everyone is having a fun time during the Sensory Walk
Charles Johnson taking a photo with a young fan
The Eagles Cheerleaders at the start line
One of the Wawa-themed bikes in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Quintin Mikell is excited to tackle the course
Crossing the finish line
Show off those medals
Vinny Curry gives the Eagles Autism Challenge a thumbs up
Jason Kelce crossing the finish line
SWOOP spreading his wings
Nate Sudfeld hanging out with the fans
Eagles players beginning the 15-mile bike ride
Richard Rodgers gladly taking photos with fans
Jason Kelce mingling with fans after crossing the finish line
Look at that speed
Doug Pederson with a group of participants
Mack Hollins is all smiles during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Got to love getting some face paint
Spin the wheel, make a deal
The Eagles Cheerleaders with Jason Avant and others
SWOOP providing some extra motivation
Doug Pederson and his wife Jeannie before the start of the event
The Eagles Cheerleaders having a fun a time
The scene at Lincoln Financial Field
Carlton Agudosi, Marken Michel, B.J. Bello, Bruce Hector, and Josh Adams
A couple of lucky fans hanging out with a bunch of Eagles
Josh Adams with a pair of participants
A trio of participants in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles President Don Smolenski (middle) beginning his trek
Vinny Curry hanging out a pair of runners that crossed the finish line
SWOOP high-fiving fans as they begin the bike portion of the event
Taking on the course with a smile
It's okay to flex those muscles during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Molly Sullivan is excited to be running in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Down the slide she goes
Here they come
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie crosses the finish line
Howard Eskin is proud of his effort in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Mike Quick finishing the Eagles Autism Challenge
No better feeling than crossing the finish line at the Eagles Autism Challenge
Running to the finish
Flexing those muscles during the 5K
Team Lucas during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Philadelphia EaBring the kids with you to the Eagles Autism Challenge
Lane Johnson, Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz, and Mack Hollins with a trio of participants in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Making the climb
Howard Eskin celebrates being one of the fundraisers of the Eagles Autism Challenge
Brent Celek on stage with SWOOP
Say hi to the camera
Peek-a-boo
Nelson Agholor posing for photos
DeSean Jackson signing autographs for some happy fans
Carson Wentz having fun at the Eagles Autism Challenge
Deiondre Hall smiling big during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Autism Challenge executive director Ryan Hammond with Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro
Fred Barnett finishing the Eagles Autism Challenge in style
Selfie time with DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, and Cre'Von LeBlanc
Cre'Von LeBlanc and Nelson Agholor hanging out with a fan
SWOOP encouraging the riders to finish
During the Eagles Autism Challenge EAC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, May 17th 2019. (Brian Garfinkel/Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge at Lincoln Financial Field on May 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles)
Success
Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro
Hello from the second Eagles Autism Challenge
Enjoying the ride
Doug Pederson taking his helmet off at a rest stop
More flexing
Jason Kelce resuming his ride after stopping for rest
Nate Sudfeld and Mack Hollins hang out with a pair of participants
Nathan Gerry eyes some refreshments at a rest stop
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie with Nelson Agholor, DeSean Jackson, Zach Ertz, and Carson Wentz
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie and the Eagles Cheerleaders with Howard Eskin, one of the top fundraisers for the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie
