The Mission of Paradise Pride, Inc. is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for special needs athletes over the age of 8 to develop the confidence and physical, social, and emotional skills of individual athletes by engaging in team sports activities such as soccer, basketball, bowling, track and field and the like in the central Minnesota, regardless of race, creed, color, ethnic heritage or socio-economic background.

Our Vision:

To continue providing a safe and welcoming environment for special needs athletes over the age of 8. We will continue our efforts to fill special lives in central Minnesota with a steady stream of opportunities and activities that create a sense of belonging and acknowledgement for each individual athlete. We will continue our efforts to become involved in our communities by volunteering to participate in and also organizing events and activities that create a sense of belonging and acknowledgement for all involved.

To participate in our 2nd Annual Forward-a-Thon, please complete the following steps:

1] Read our Information Brochure!!

A copy of our Information Brochure is available to download from the 2009 Forward-a-Thon Info Page [ click on this page from the left side menu, scroll down, and then click on the Information Brochure link]  OR you may pick up a copy of our Information Brochure at Rush City Offices, 325 South Eliot Ave, Rush City, MN  55069. City Office hours are 8:00 - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Fridays.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR INFORMATION BROCHURE CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!! PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!! IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONTACT INFORMATION IS LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE BROCHURE.

2] Complete the Registration Form!!

A copy of our Registration Form is available in the same way as our Information Brochure- download it or pick it up!! 

*****Participants are required to choose only one of the three routes listed on the Registration Form and only one of the five Entry Divisions. If participants register for Entry Divisions 2 - 5, each participant must complete a Registration Form.*******

NO SKATEBOARDS ALLOWED ON ANY OF THE ROUTES!!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED BY AUGUST 15, 2009. Completed Registration Forms may be dropped off at the Rush City Offices or mailed to Paradise Pride, PO Box 44, Rush City, MN  55069.

REGISTRATION FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY OF THE FORWARD-A-THON!!

 3] Obtain a Sponsorship Card!!

A copy of our Sponsorship Card is available in the same way as our Information Brochure and Registration Form-- download it or pick it up!!

Sponsors may contribute in one of two ways to the Forward-a-Thon. Each Sponsor may contribute a certain amount per lap completed or simply donate an amount of money. PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT TO BE SPONSORED ON THE BASIS OF TOTAL DISTANCE AND/OR TOTAL AMOUNT OF TIME!!!

PLEASE NOTE: DESIGNATED VOLUNTEERS WILL COLLECT THE SPONSORSHIP CARDS BEGINNING AT 8:15 A.M. ON THE DAY OF THE FORWARD-A-THON. SPONSORSHIP CARDS WILL BE MATCHED WITH COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS ON FILE. 

PRE-REGISTRATION BY AUGUST 15TH, 2009 IS MANDATORY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORWARD-A-THON!!

SPONSORSHIP CARDS WILL BE RETURNED TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FORWARD-A-THON.

WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING PLEDGES THE DAY OF THE FORWARD-A-THON. ALL PLEDGES WILL BE DUE BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. LOCATIONS FOR PLEDGE COLLECTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE FORWARD-A-THON.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE FORWARD-A-THON ARE DESIGNATED FOR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THAT SUPPORT OUR MISSION AND VISION FOR PARADISE PRIDE PARTICIPANTS!!

Spring has finally arrived and summer is just behind it!!  We still may experience weather conditions that could result in cancellation of team practice so please check the website on the days for team practice and/or special events!! 

We had our first annual Talent Show on Thursday, April 16th.  Talents ranged from violinists to guitarists to singers to dancers!!  A huge thank you to everyone who participated and also to everyone who came to watch!!

We had a wonderful time at our 3rd Annual Community Basketball tournament that included a group of over 55 athletes, Pride Pals, parents, family members, friends, and caregivers.

A huge thank-you to everyone who participated in and contributed to our Bowlathon!!

We need to continue to recognize, acknowledge, and thank our athletes, Pride Pals, parent[s]/guardian[s], family members, friends, care givers, communities, local organizations, local businesses, and all of the other individuals who continue to contribute and support our efforts!!