30th Annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk Begins Friday

A two-day event celebrating the achievements of Chautauqua County residents with developmental disabilities is now in its 30th year. The annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk begins Friday morning with a flag relay run from Jamestown to Dunkirk and continues Saturday morning with activities in Silver Creek. Steve Waterson of the Resource Center credits the longevity of this event to Wayne and Elaine Hotelling and the advocacy for their late daughter, Laurel, who lived with Down Syndrome...

Steve Waterson: how the event has grown

Wayne Hotelling says the event would not be possible without the backing of the local community, as well as support from outside the area...

Wayne Hotelling: we get plenty of support

The signature activity on Saturday is Laurel's Legacy Lap, which is open to anyone with a disability. Wayne recounts one instance involving a young girl whose feet were amputated...

Wayne Hotelling: amputee completed a full lap

Waterson and Hotelling were guests on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Wednesday. Proceeds from Laurel Memorial Run and Walk are used to provide employment and work training opportunities for adults with disabilities. They also support the Dr. John Vona "Smile" Fund to provide dental services for people with disabilities.

This year's logo (pictured above) for the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk was created by Forestville Central School student Andreanna Craig.

More details about Laurel Memorial Run and Walk are available on the event website.

Click here to listen to the entire "Viewpoint" interview featuring Steve Waterson and Wayne Hotelling.