HIGH 5 Soccer, a free program for youths with special needs offered by the Glenmoore Eagle Youth Association (GEYA), recently hosted "HIGH 5K for Connor," featuring a 5K, a 1-mile youth run and a children's fun run, on April 18 at Fellowship Field in Chester Springs. The event was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was canceled because of the pandemic.

The fundraiser was for Connor Dobbyn, 12, a student at West Vincent Elementary School, who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome Type C, also known as childhood Alzheimer's. Sanfilippo syndrome Type C is a rare, progressive and genetic disorder that primarily affects the brain cells and spinal cord. Currently, there is no cure. Money raised at the event will go toward a clinical trial for Sanfilippo syndrome.

"We raised over $31,000 for the Sanfilippo Foundation through race registrations and donations," reported Jenn Wagner, who is the coach of HIGH 5 Soccer along with her husband, Matt Wagner. "We collected over $1,000 in donations on race day."

She said that more than 220 people took part in the event and 40 volunteers were on hand to provide assistance. Second Wind Race Timing donated its services.

While the running and walking event has concluded, the community is still welcome to donate. To learn more, visit http://www.saveconnor.com.

More information and photos from HIGH 5K for Connor can be found by searching for "GEYA Soccer HIGH 5K for Connor" on Facebook.

HIGH 5 Soccer allows youths with disabilities to enjoy the game of soccer through soccer-based activities and games that are adapted to their abilities. As part of the program, players, who range in age from 5 to 18, are paired with volunteer buddies, who are predominantly local high school and middle school students.

In 2020, HIGH 5 soccer sessions were held virtually, and players were invited to enjoy fun online activities via Zoom.

For the spring 2021 season, play has returned to in-person activities at Fellowship Field. However, the numbers of players and buddies are limited for each session, activities have been modified and mask wearing and social distancing have been put into place. Matt and Jenn hope that HIGH 5 will resume normally in the fall.

To learn more about the HIGH 5 program or becoming a volunteer buddy, contact Jenn at HIGH5@geyasoccer.org. More information about GEYA Soccer and HIGH 5 Soccer is available at http://www.geyasports.org and by searching for "GEYA Soccer & HIGH 5 Soccer" on Facebook.