Special Olympics of Pennsylvania to host 'UNcathlon' to raise funds, awareness

The Special Olympics of Pennsylvania will host its third annual Pittsburgh UNcathlon in Schenley Park on Sunday.

The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Schenley Park, where teams of six will compete in 10 physical trials that test speed, strength and endurance.

There is also an eleventh event in which teams compete to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes.

The physical events include the 800-meter run, the 40-yard dash, the bear crawl, shot put and long jump.

Last year, the teams — made of equal parts people with intellectual disabilities and those without — raised around $90,000 to benefit Special Olympics of Pennsylvania athletes.

Special Olympics Unified Sports aims to “enable athletes to learn new sports, refine athletic skills, experience inclusion, socialize with peers and form new friendships, and participate in their communities outside of traditional Special Olympics events,” according to Wenona Sutton, a Special Olympics spokeswoman.

The UNcathlon, initiated by Pittsburgh resident Shannon Berry, aims to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

The event will feature Pittsburgh District 5 Councilman Corey O’Conner, Special Olympics Pennsylvania President and CEO Matthew Aaron and Port Authority Police Chief Matt Porter. Eric Burnett, Fireside Entertainment owner, will be the event’s host.

Registration for Sunday’s event is closed, but supporters can donate to the cause online. For more information, call 724-375-7515.