Developmentally Disabled Athlete Promotes Inclusion at the Mission Inn Run
Photo Above: Jeffrey Baldwin, 38, stands next to The National Wall of Respect in Riverside, CA. Photo taken by Robbie Silver.
Riverside, CA – Born and raised in Riverside, CA, Jeffrey Baldwin, 38, does not let Down Syndrome define who he is. Jeffrey was the first disabled individual to be included in the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame. He also participated in the Special Olympics of Riverside. His team was selected to travel to South Korea to play floor hockey and took home a silver medal. To continue his personal mission of proving that those with developmental disabilities can accomplish anything, Jeffrey along with his father, Dan will be running a 5k race in the Mission Inn Foundation’s 39th Annual Mission Inn Run.
Baldwin was inspired by the rich history of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a National Historic Landmark. “The stained glass windows of the chapel and the many photographs in the halls are my favorite parts. I also like going to the Festival of Lights every year with my family to see the fireworks, ice skate and eat the kettle corn,” says Jeffrey. Showing the community what people with disabilities are capable of is an important mission to Jeffrey and Dan. Jeffrey receives services through The Arc of Riverside County where he maintains a job. “I love working because it makes me feel good about myself. I am grateful to The Arc for giving me a job I can be proud of. I’m also grateful to Mayor Rusty Bailey and City Council for supporting the disabled community because they make us feel included and important,” says Jeffrey.
Jeffrey and Dan have been training for the upcoming Mission Inn Run by running and walking around their neighborhood, lifting weights and swimming at a local gym. “I know it will be hard and a challenge but I will finish. I want people to see that those with disabilities can do anything and I want to encourage business to hire people like me who want to work hard.” says Jeffrey.
Come to the Mission Inn Run on November 13, 2016 in downtown Riverside to see Jeffrey run.
About the Mission Inn Run:
This signature event is a Southern California tradition which offers a 5k, 10k, and a ½ marathon. The course wind through historic parks and sites, making it a picturesque event for participants and spectators. Over 4,000 runners are expected to participate. The event kicks-off on Saturday, November 12, 2016 with the Clark’s Nutrition Health & Fitness Expo, live demonstrations, vendors, and a bench press competition. On Sunday morning, November 13, 2016, is race day! The Health & Fitness Expo continues and at the Finish Line Festival, awards will go to the overall men and women in each race and to the top three males and females finishers in each age division. Families are encouraged to have their children participate in the 1/2k or 1k events and have lots of fun at the Kids Fitness Festival sponsored by Grove Community Church.
About The Mission Inn Foundation:
The Mission Inn Foundation preserves, interprets, and promotes the cultural heritage of the Mission Inn, Riverside, and the surrounding southern California communities through its museum services, educational programs, and outreach activities. More at www.missioninnmuseum.org.
About The Arc of Riverside County:
Since 1953, The Arc has been and continues to be committed to securing for all individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, in partnership with their families, legal guardians or conservators the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live work and play. More at www.arcriverside.org.