Race supports students with disabilities

College of Charleston junior Alan Sea's cerebral palsy has put him in a power wheelchair, but it hasn't taken away his drive.

The muscle weakness caused by his condition presents many challenges, but Sea doesn't let it slow him down. He handles the bumpy, brick sidewalks of downtown Charleston like a NASCAR pro. But he has an attendant who helps him with dressing and with transferring him into his wheelchair.

Sea has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation.

"Students with disabilities usually have more expenses than the average student," Sea said, adding he's grateful for the scholarship.

Businessmen Nick Gavalas and Ron Kolanko created the nonprofit organization that provides the scholarships after learning of the costly expenses for college students with disabilities. Students can apply for the scholarship every year for four years.

"It was a niche in the community that was under-served," Gavalas said. "We could do something to help the special-needs community in a formal way in the Charleston area."

The foundation sponsors the James Island Connector 10K Run and 5K Walk and all proceeds benefit the scholarship program. The foundation initially associated itself with the College of Charleston because there was a known population of students with physical disabilities, Kolanko said.

Bobbie Lindstrom, director of the Center for Disability Services at the College of Charleston, said the scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and financial need.

"Sometimes, medical bills can be overwhelming," Lindstrom said. "There have been times when students would not have been able to stay in school if it had not been for the scholarship."

Eleven years ago, Mayor Joe Riley proclaimed the first Saturday of November to be Students with Disabilities Day. The James Island Connector Run is held on this Saturday every year to honor the students. Saturday's race begins and ends across from Roper Hospital.

The foundation continues to grow and has awarded 38 scholarships to students since its inception. It has expanded beyond the College of Charleston, thsi year awarding a scholarship to a student at Charleston Southern University.

RACE TRAFFIC

The 11th annual James Island Connector Run and Walk will close the connector bridge and short sections of Calhoun Street and Folly Road for about two hours from 7:40-10 a.m., Saturday morning.

Commuters who typically use the connector should find alternative routes and be aware of possible delays related to the closure, especially in west end of Calhoun Street, near Roper Hospital, where the race will start and finish and where post-race festivities will take place.

Participants can find parking on nearby streets or in the MUSC Jonathon Lucas Street parking garage at the corner of President and Doughty. The cost is $1.50 an hour.