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Bucky goes ‘all-in’ for charity
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by Carl Jaeger
Friday, April 20, 2007
With beautiful weather and intense cheering along the way, many Madison-area athletes got not only a workout Thursday evening, but also helped a program that promotes physical activity for children.
The 11th annual Poker Run was presented by the University of Wisconsin Kinesiology Club and sponsored by University Health Services, the Wisconsin Wellness Campaign and The Onion.
Roughly 180 people ran in the event, according to UW Kinesiology Club Vice President Hannah Biere.
The 5-kilometer route took participants down the Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota, around the UW Hospital and back to the Natatorium.
In addition to raising money for the Madison Area Youth Special Olympics, Biere said, the event promoted a physical and social activity for participants.
"We have a beautiful place to run outside, with the lake," Biere said. "A lot of people come with friends and groups, so it's fun to get together with people."
Unlike other runs, Biere said, the fastest runner is not necessarily the winner of the race. Each runner is dealt three cards before the race and two additional cards at the finish line. The runner with the best poker hand wins the race.
The winner received two tickets to an Overture Center event of their choice, courtesy of the venue.
Madison Area Youth Special Olympics manager Tracy Woehrle said the event promoted life-long fitness to the community.
"It's promoting training for life," Woehrle said. "And that's what we want for our athletes."
The proceeds from the event will help the Madison Area Youth Special Olympics program provide equipment, uniforms and transportation to its athletes.
During the 2006 Poker Run, according to Biere, the UW Kinesiology Club raised nearly $800 for the Madison Area Youth Special Olympics.
The program benefits approximately 65 athletes with cognitive disabilities ranging from 8 to 28 years old, who participate in various physical activities, including track and field, swimming and bowling, Woehrle said.
Woehrle added that the Poker Run is for athletes of all ages and abilities.
"It's a community run to help everyone realize that fitness is important for young and old," Woehrle said.
UW student and Poker Run finisher Claire Groschwitz said that in addition to the exercise, the event helped her give back to the community.
"It was nice to be able to be involved in something that is so important that gives back to some very special people," Groschwitz said.
Anonymous (April 21, 2007 @ 4:27pm):
thats so hot bucky
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