Jason Reid. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
CAL ROBERTS
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It’s a long way to go to make a point, but former Carterton school teacher aide Jason Reid hoped running 50km around Carrington Park yesterday would raise awareness about getting children active – particularly those on the autism spectrum.
Reid’s charity, Running on the Spectrum, helps children on the spectrum get into a running and moving programme.
He ran what he estimated was almost 100 laps of Carrington Park from late morning, as well as donating running shoes to kids in Carterton.
“A lot of children on the spectrum, they don’t fit into rugby, soccer – the team sports.
“They can sometimes struggle with the number of rules.”
He said running is proven to be more than just good exercise – it’s emotionally good for children on the spectrum.
“There’s not any rules, as such, and it gives their mind a rest. It puts them in a good mind-space.”
Carterton School had held a mufti day to raise funds for Running on the Spectrum, and Reid was making the trip to say thanks.
“They’ve really supported me, so it’s great to give back.”
Now living in Taranaki, Reid has Asperger’s and is completing his teaching degree.
