Running and walking enthusiasts are invited to the Galilee 5 K Road Race for Autism Awareness this Saturday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. at 45 State Street in Narragansett. The 5k race will be at the scenic loop around Galilee, with the start and finish at the end of Galilee Escape Road. The URI Baseball team will generously support the event and all proceeds will benefit The Autism Project.

According to Narelle Foster, wife of head baseball coach Jim Foster and mother of a daughter with autism, “My husband is committed to raising money for The Autism Project because of the support it provides individuals with autism, their families and teachers right here in Rhode Island.” She added, “He believes young athletes need to gain a perspective on how lucky they are. The more people understand about autism, the better our society can be to those less fortunate.”

Register online at www.firstgiving.com/Autismproject/galilee5k, or on race day beginning at 8 a.m. at the race venue, 45 State Street in Narragansett. Registration fees are $10 for students and $20 for adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis statistics are high and rising in Rhode Island. The diagnosis rate in 2002 was 1 in 2,500 births. Today, the rate is 1 in 88. All funds for this event will go to The Autism Project, 1516 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.

The Autism Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of children with autism in public schools offering educational consultation services, professional and family training workshops, social groups for children and teens, summer camp, professional conferences and support groups for parents and caregivers.