Running for 90 minutes takes hard work and determination, but running in the Race for a Cause only takes the desire to change a child's life. United for D.C., D.C. United's charitable arm, has partnered with Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause™, aiming to provide underprivileged and at-risk youth in the greater DC area with a chance to learn the beautiful game.
United for D.C. is competing among ten other local non profits to register the most participants on their behalf. As a major funder of the United Soccer Club (USC), the race brings professional athletes and at-risk youth together for healthy exercise while also providing essential funding for USC.
"Hopefully [this race] gives them a chance, through United for DC, to grow with the game of soccer which has given me so much," said D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen.
Along with Olsen, the Black-and-Red's longest tenured player, Chris Pontius, plans to run for United for D.C. The talented midfielder is continually giving back to the city he has called home since 2009.
"As a club and a professional athlete, we have the ability to reach a variety and a number of people," explains Pontius. "So, I think we need to use that platform the best that we can to help as many people in need as possible."
Since 1996, D.C. United has prided itself on its community outreach, largely through United for D.C., and since 2006, (USC) has been giving deserving youth in the Greater Washington Area the opportunity to play soccer after school. Grown out of parent's request, USC is now at 13 sites, teaching 700 kids the beautiful game.
"This race gives my family and me a chance to give back to the undeserved youth in the DC area," added Olsen.
Join Olsen, Pontius and D.C. United by registering by Thursday, Oct. 10 for the 8K race or 1 mile Fun Run or donate to United for D.C. here.
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