Eagles Autism Challenge rescheduled for September

The third annual Eagles Autism Challenge has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, the Eagles Autism Foundation announced Thursday.

The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“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,” Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a release. “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.”

According to the release, there will be some modifications to the event because of the coronavirus. The three bike rides, the 5K run/walk and the sensory walk will feature staggered start times to spread out the number of participants, while the finish line will be moved from the field to the perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field.

There will be mandatory mask requirements for all staff members, hand sanitizer stations and individually-packaged food and beverages, and “additional safety precautions will be communicated to participants prior to the event.

The release also states that if “circumstances prevent an in-person gathering,” the event will move to a virtual format.

The Eagles Autism Challenge has raised more than $9 million for “cutting-edge autism research and programs” since its inception in 2018. Last year, the event raised more than $3.37 million. More than 3,600 people participated in the event, including 40 Eagles players and 30 former players. The event is the brainchild of Lurie, whose younger brother was diagnosed with autism as a child.

The Eagles Autism Challenge features bike rides of 10, 30 and 50 miles, a 5K run/walk and a sensory walk.

The Eagles Autism Foundation offers grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to local organizations that serve a direct need to the autism community. The foundation moved up the grant process this summer, with the application window opening Thursday. The deadline is Aug. 20.

“Many organizations throughout our city are seeking immediate assistance and funding right now due to challenges presented by the pandemic,” Eagles Autism Foundation executive director Ryan Hammond said in a release. “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.”

Daniel Gallen covers the Philadelphia Eagles for PennLive. He can be reached at dgallen@pennlive.com. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Follow PennLive’s Philadelphia Eagles coverage on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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