Opportunity Village Kicks Off 10th Annual “Las Vegas Great Santa Run” with Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Ziplining Kris Kringles
Christmas came early to Downtown Las Vegas today as Opportunity Village and Mayor Carolyn Goodman hosted a preview for the 10th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run (Photo credit: Opportunity Village).
Kris Kringles Soar Above Fremont Street Experience on Slotzilla
Photo credit: Opportunity Village.
Participants got a glimpse of what’s in store for the 2014 event, which is taking place Saturday, December 6 and is expected to draw more than 15,000 Santa-clad racers.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Liverpool’s Santa Dash’s Alan Rothwell
Photo credit: Opportunity Village.
“Not only do I love the Great Santa Run, I absolutely adore it!” said Mayor Goodman. “We’re so excited to see the run return to Downtown Las Vegas for its 10th year.”
Mayor Carolyn Goodman Holds the World Santa Run Trophy at GSR Media Preview
Photo credit: Opportunity Village.
No reindeer were necessary today as a group of Kris Kringles opted to arrive in true Vegas fashion, flying across the city’s newest zip line attraction, Slotzilla. Santa Claus himself made a trip from the North Pole for the occasion, while Opportunity Village’s very own Elvis Presley dance troupe, the OV Elvi, donned dazzling costumes and gave a performance worthy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on Fremont Street Experience’s Third Street Stage.
Opportunity Village’s Dance Troupe OV ELVI at GSR Media Preview
Photo credit: Opportunity Village.
Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Opportunity Village said, “Opportunity Village has been in the community for 60 years, and we serve 3,000 people every day at our four campuses. The Great Santa Run is our favorite event and we’re excited to celebrate with the Las Vegas community and Santas from around the world.”
Tom Bruny, Director of Marketing for Fremont Street Experience was on-hand to announce that proceeds from all rides from Slotzilla from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the race will be donated to Opportunity Village. Local entertainment journalist Robin Leach emceed the event and jokingly challenged Mayor Goodman to a ride on Slotzilla the day of the run.
Smith also read a proclamation to challenge Liverpool’s Santa Dash’s Race Director Alan Rothwell to the 2014 “World Santa Challenge,” a friendly annual competition between Santa runs around the world. Opportunity Village has reigned supreme eight of the 10 years that the competition has existed, and three consecutive years.
The Great Santa Run raises funds and awareness for Opportunity Village’s programs, which provide unparalleled opportunities, enrichment and support to nearly 3,000 citizens with disabilities in Las Vegas. Registration is now open for the 10th annual Great Santa Run and more information can be found on the Great Santa Run website.