Community Corner

Countdown to 2013 Matt's Mission 5K

Registration is underway for the 2013 Matt's Mission 5K. Have you signed up yet?


The Matt's Mission 5K is certainly a bittersweet event for coordinator Lynn Riordan. While she is always touched by the generosity and support of the community, volunteers and sponsors, it is also a sharp reminder of her son Matt's death

"Matthew will never go to college, get a job, get married or have children; but I can not allow his time here with us to be for nothing," said Lynn. "I refuse to let people forget – not only about the accident, but about Matt and what a great person he really was."
 
The race, which supports Matt's Mission Fund, has grown from a walk in his remembrance days after his accident in May 2009 to a "certified 5K includes a scenic, rolling course through residential neighborhoods in North Branford," according to JB Sports

There are not only booths, entertainment and refreshments at North Branford High School, where the race starts and finishes, but there is entertainment and water throughout the course as well. This year's lineup includes Sudden Impact, Common Ground, Mike Rebeschi and the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society.

Riordan is expecting a record number of participants in 2013 with registration underway. Runners can pick up their race number and T-shirt on Friday, May 17 or Saturday, May 18 at soundRUNNER, 1088 Main Street, Branford, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Proceeds from the Matt's Mission 5K benefit Matt's Mission Fund with scholarships being the first priority with funds raised from this year's race. Scholarships will be awarded to students in North Branford, Guilford, Branford and East Haven students. 

The Matt's Mission 5K isn't the only way Riordan tries to make an impact as she often speaks at high schools and driving groups, hoping Matt's story will make a difference. She spoke to BHS students last May.

"I am proud to call Matthew Picciuto my son and my heart is happy knowing he makes a difference every single day in the lives of so many," said Riordan. "I will never ever know just how many lives he has saved."      


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