Partnership enhances opportunities for athletes with autism, intellectual, or physical impairments
BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism will serve as a sponsor of the Boston Marathon Adaptive Programs beginning with the 125th Boston Marathon on October 11, 2021. Together, the partnership will enhance opportunities and inclusiveness for athletes with autism, intellectual, and physical impairments participating in the Boston Marathon.
“The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has been part of the Boston Marathon family as an Official Charity Partner for more than 15 years, and we are very pleased to expand our partnership and welcome the Flutie Foundation as a sponsor of our Adaptive Programs,” said Tom Grilk, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “Together, we will highlight and celebrate the journeys of many Boston Marathoners and further our focus on providing a memorable and meaningful race experience for all athletes.”
As the presenting sponsor of the Adaptive Program for runners, the Flutie Foundation will help provide resources to enhance inclusive and equal participation opportunities in the Boston Marathon, while highlighting the many aspirational athletes who are part of the program.
“The Flutie Foundation and the B.A.A. are both committed to ensuring that people with developmental, intellectual, and physical impairments, including autism, have opportunities and support to participate in prestigious athletic events, and we are honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Boston Marathon’s Adaptive Program for runners” said Doug Flutie, President and Co-Founder of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “As a long-time participant of the Boston Marathon, I am honored the Flutie Foundation will be the presenting sponsor of the Adaptive Program for runners. Together, the Flutie Foundation and the B.A.A. look forward to providing a best-in-class experience for the athletes of the Adaptive Programs.”
Adaptive Programs are offered to Para Athletes in the Boston Marathon, providing a unique opportunity for athletes with eligible impairments to experience and take part in the Boston Marathon. Para Athletes who are part of the Adaptive Programs possess eligible impairments that align with those defined by World Para Athletics, including certain intellectual impairments, visual impairments, and physical impairments. Athletes in the Adaptive Programs at the Boston Marathon receive accessible transportation and staging in both Hopkinton and Boston near the start and finish lines.
Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Since then The Flutie Foundation has been dedicated to creating a world where people with autism and other disabilities are included, respected and actively engaged in their communities. Over its 23-year history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $15 million into the autism community, helping people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest.
The 125th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021. A Virtual 125th Boston Marathon will also take part October 8-10 in celebration of the race’s milestone anniversary. Registration for the Virtual 125th Boston Marathon is currently open within the B.A.A.’s online platform, Athletes’ Village. Registration for the in-person 125th Boston Marathon will open on April 20, 2021 within Athletes’ Village.