May 15, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams, Honorary Chairman of the "Walk F.A.R. for NAAR, National Capital Area Walk for Autism Research," will be joining an estimated 7,500 walkers on May 18, 2003, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Williams, "Voice of the Terps" Johnny Holliday and former Maryland basketball player Bob Bodell (1971-73) are among those who are taking part in the event to raise funds for autism research. The F.A.R. initials stand for "Family and Friends for Autism Research." All proceeds will benefit the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), which provides funding to researchers worldwide in their quest to find the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of autism spectrum disorders.

Already, $225,000 has been raised even before the walkers have taken one step. More than 150 teams are expected to take part in the walk on Sunday, eclipsing the previously held events.

The last local Walk F.A.R. for NAAR, in September 2001, raised $648,000 and had over 5,000 participants. Since the first inaugural walk in May 2000, NAAR has conducted 28 Walk F.A.R. events nationally, with over 64,000 participants. To date, over nine million dollars have been raised.

"Our last walk was such an amazing success. It was the highest grossing inaugural walk for autism research anywhere in the country. We were so proud that the D.C. area came out to support autism research in such a big way." said walk co-chair Ann Gibbons. "The statistics are shocking: researchers now estimate that autism spectrum disorders affect three out of every 1000 children. If you take into consideration moderate forms of the disability, the numbers could be as high as one in 150. Recent studies have found autism is on the rise. Scientists are working hard to find the reasons. It's our job to help them by providing much needed funding."

This two-mile walk will be a family friendly event with entertainment, refreshments and music provided by 94.7 the Arrow, Washington's Classic Rock. Holliday, the "Voice of the Maryland Terrapins," will serve as master of ceremonies.

Individual walkers, as well as family, school or business teams are invited to join in the cause. Register online at www.autismwalk.org/wdc or by phoning 301-519-0770.