University's Upcoming Dusty Fun Run & Walk Attracts Young Athlete

Ten-year-old Bernie Navarro is doing something very special on November 11. He's going to be a hero.

How? Bernie will help raise student scholarships for Texas A&M International University by participating in the 2000 Dusty Fun Run and Walk.

The young athlete, a 5th grade student at M.S. Ryan Elementary School, doesn't see himself as a hero, however. He says he's just doing his part to help others get a good education.

"Getting a good education is important. I know because my mom is a teacher and she graduated from Texas A&M International. That's why I want to help. The University helped her, now I'm helping them," he said proudly.

President Charles Jennett applauded the youngster for his efforts to assist A&M International.

"It is very encouraging to have everyone from grade school students like Bernie to grandparents joining this event. The Dusty Fun Run and Walk provides a fun way for the community to help support student scholarships. We're looking forward to a record participation and assistance for our student scholarship fundraising efforts," he said.

Bernie said he's encouraging all his friends to join him for the Dusty Fun Run and Walk. He knows that their entry fees, though small, will make a difference.

"It's only $2 for kids but if lots of kids give $2 then there could be lots of scholarships," he concluded.

The Dusty Fun Run and Walk will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11 on the A&M International campus. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with races starting at 8:30 a.m. Participants can take part in competitive 5K and 10K runs or a non-competitive two-mile Fun Walk. Participants can compete in one of nine age categories for both males and females: 12 and under, 13 - 16, 17 - 20, 21 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, 70 - and above.

To ensure safety, children in the 12 and under category will be accompanied by student volunteers from the University's Fitness and Sports program.

Entry Fee for the 10K, 5K and 2 mile events is $20 for adults, $5 for students and seniors ages 65 and over, and $2 for children 12 and under.

All paid participants will receive an official Dusty Fun Run & Walk T-Shirt. Children 12 and under will also receive a special certificate of participation.

Trophies to be awarded in 10K and 5K Run categories to the top three finishers in each competing age group and the overall top female and male finishers

Entry forms are available by calling the University's Office for Institutional Advancement at 326-2168. Registration may also be completed on the day of the event at 7:30 a.m.

Corporate sponsors are Charter Member NBC Bank; Extreme Sponsors Falcon International Bank, Wells Fargo-Laredo, Sol Communications, Mejia Engineering, Sprint PCS, BP Newman Investment Co./Popeyes of Laredo; Performance Sponsors Sanchez Oil and Gas, and The Pain Management Clinic of Laredo; and Refreshment and Gift Sponsors Coca-Cola Bottling of Laredo, Follett Bookstores, Cavazos Candy Produce and Grocery Wholesale Inc., the Holiday Inn Civic Center, and Hampton Inn.

For additional information, please contact the University's Office for Institutional Advancement at 326-2168 or visit offices located in Killam Library, room 262. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu