Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Race Sept. 25

SMITHFIELD, RI – The Nassaney Foundation and Bryant University will hold the 5^th Annual Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Cross Country Race / Walk on Sunday, September 25^th, as part of Bryant’s Homecoming & Reunion weekend.  The 5K race and two-mile walk will begin promptly at 1 p.m. at the Bryant Cross Country Course. 
 
Established one month after the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the race has quickly become a staple on the New England running calendar and has grown in size each year.  The 2005 event is expected to draw close to 900 participants to compete for cash prizes and awards.  There will be four categories of awards handed out: top three male and female finishers; age group awards;  top overall Bryant alumni performance; and team awards.  In addition, there will be a raffle for a trip for two to the Bahamas. 
 
The Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation was established to honor the memory of 1998 Bryant graduate Shawn Nassaney who died on United Airlines Flight 175 on September 11, 2001 with his girlfriend Lynn Goodchild, also a Bryant graduate.  The scholarship that bears Nassaney’s named has raised more than $140,000 in less than four years.  In addition to awarding a scholarship to Bryant University, the foundation has also contributed to the annual scholarship award at Saint Raphael High School, and presented an annual scholarship at Saint Theresa Elementary in Pawtucket.  The Nassnaey Foundation is a major supporter of the NCAA Champs Life Skills enrichment program that serves the 500+ student athletes at Bryant University.
 
The entry fee is $30 for advance registration and $35 on the day of the race.  Registration includes race entry fee, Champion CHIP timing, a barbecue, and a long-sleeved t-shirt while supplies last.  Registration is available online at www.shawnmnassaney.org or by calling 508-883-0662.