Renee DiNino from Clear Channel Radio/The River 105.9 visits Poundstone Performance Training Center Waterbury, to train for the 2012 ING Hartford Marathon 5k on October 13th. DiNino, who is the Special Olympics Connecticut Team Captain, is pictured with Derek Poundstone (left) and Special Olympics athlete Jake Segla (right).

Renee DiNino, of The River 105.9 FM/Clear Channel Community Access Radio, will serve as Honorary Captain of the Special Olympics Connecticut team for the 2012 ING Hartford Marathon. The ING Hartford Marathon gives non-profit organizations the opportunity to raise funds to help them fulfill their missions; this marks the first year that Special Olympics Connecticut will be among the charities that will participate. The event will take place on Saturday, October 13th at Bushnell Park, Hartford. Race time is 8 a.m. A longtime supporter of Special Olympics and dear friend to many of the organization’s athletes, DiNino has accepted this new role of Team Captain and will participate in the 5k at the event, along with members of Special Olympics’ long-distance running team and anyone wishing to sign up to
support the organization. To “Run with Renee” and benefit Special Olympics Connecticut, visit www.soct.org, click on the Hartford ING Marathon logo and follow the steps to register. Or, go to DiNino’s personal fundraising page to make a donation. For more information, call 203-230-1201 or email specialolympicsct@soct.org.

DiNino, who is known for her charitable works and service to the community as well as her on-air talent, hosts several Special Olympics Connecticut events annually, including Summer Games, Winter Games, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Kick-off event and the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. In addition, she provides information about Special Olympics and its events regularly on her radio show and advocates for respect and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. A newcomer to running, Renee agreed to take on the challenge of entering the 5k because of her dedication to Special Olympics and admiration and love for its athletes, she explained. Clear Channel Community Access Radio is a year-round media sponsor of Special Olympics Connecticut. Its stations include The River 105.9, Country 92.5, KISS 96.7, ESPN Radio 1300 AM, 97.9 FM ESPN, KC101.3, 960 WELI AM, IHEART Radio and FOX Radio 1410 AM.

There are two ways to be part of the “Run with Renee” team – register to run the 5k, marathon or half-marathon, or make a donation in support of DiNino on her personal fundraising page at www.soct.org. Those who run with Special Olympics on October 13th, will have unique privileges, including access to the Special Olympics Connecticut tent in the Charity Village private porta-johns and a refreshments booth. They will also have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with Special Olympics athletes. In addition, participants who raise $100 or more will receive an official Special Olympics moisture wick runner’s shirt.

About Special Olympics Connecticut:  Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Unified Partners (their teammates without disabilities). Through a myriad of initiatives throughout the state and the world, Special Olympics is a movement that’s changing attitudes and changing lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities, in all aspects of life. (www.soct.org)

Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Connecticut Light & Power/Yankee Gas/Western Massachusetts Electric (Northeast Utilities Companies), Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, and United Technologies. Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Graebel Van Lines, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and Worx Branding & Advertising.