#FlyingwithGoodwill2017 During Flying Pig Marathon Weekend!

More than 250 excited athletes gathered together at Great American Ball Park to participate in the 2017 PigAbilities event on Saturday, May 6th. As a first-time Title Sponsor, Goodwill was thrilled to welcome the participation of all of the athletes in this year’s big event. “Team Goodwill” included almost 60 members and everyone was ready to fly! Goodwill Marketing Manager, Sharon Hannon, joined with Flying Pig Marathon Race Director, Iris Simpson Bush, to kick off the 2017 PigAbilities event. “The Flying Pig Marathon is so happy to welcome this year’s PigAbilities athletes. We are grateful to the CARA Group for helping the Flying Pig create this wonderful inclusive community event for athletes of all abilities,” said Simpson-Bush. “Ohio Valley Goodwill is so pleased to be a first-time Title Sponsor for this year’s PigAbilities event and so excited that so many of you were able to be part of this year’s amazing event,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Event Coordinator. “We wish everyone a wonderful day on the course and invite you to join us in the Goodwill tent after PigAbilities to celebrate,” added Hannon.

Following the memorable “Finish Swine” medal ceremony where all PigAbilities participants received their commemorative medals, more than a hundred athletes joined with the Goodwill team to enjoy Busken’s cookies and share stories about this year’s big event. “Team Goodwill” was transported to the PigAbilities event this year via the organization’s award-winning transportation service and arrived in a convoy of Goodwill vans.

PigAbilities is an empowering option for all ages and abilities and participants commit to going the distance by making healthy choices in their lives. The PigAbilities event takes place when there are fewer crowds, increased accessibility and more parking. On Saturday, May 6th participants gathered for the 1:00pm Start Time and walked, ran, rolled or strolled the final mile on the actual Flying Pig Marathon course. At the Finish Line each finisher received a commemorative PigAbilities medal on a blue ribbon with “Goodwill” printed on it reflecting the organization’s first-ever Title Sponsorship. Athletes were also welcomed at the post-event Goodwill celebration tent at Yeatman’s Cove where participants were congratulated and received special goodies to mark their achievement. Goodwill team members Matthew Fortner, Greg Thorpe and Vanessa Cornett coordinated all of the festivities which PigAbilities participants enjoyed at the end of the event.

The 2017 Goodwill newly expanded “Pig Pop-Up Shop” was a huge success as well at the Flying Pig Expo held on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th. With a larger display space, Goodwill was able to offer an incredible selection of running and work-out gear for the whole family at remarkable prices. Almost 500 Expo attendees visited the very popular Goodwill Pig Pop-Up Shop and more than 1,200 items were sold during the two day event.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is so proud to have been the first-ever Title Sponsor for the PigAbilities event on Saturday, May 6th and congratulates all of this year’s athletes on their participation and achievement. The PigAbilities event allows athletes of all abilities to participate in the Flying Pig Marathon in an inclusive and wonderful way. Our most sincere thanks to the CARA Group, the Flying Pig Marathon, “Team Goodwill” and all of this year’s athletes and coaches for their involvement and support of Goodwill’s mission of helping people to experience personal success.