LV Aces’ A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young named Grand Marshals

Opportunity village was founded in 1954 by seven families who were determined to give their children with disabilities the best lives possible. Now, Opportunity Village is one of the most recognized and respected organizations of its type in the US. They are Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities and serve over 3,000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that improve their lives.

Las Vegas Aces players A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young – the last two No. 1 overall draft selections of the WNBA – will serve as the official 5K Grand Marshals of the 15th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Oscar Goodman, Chippendales, Las Vegas mascots and more to celebrate OV’s race

LAS VEGAS — The last two No. 1 overall draft selections of the WNBA – Las Vegas Aces players A’ja Wilson (2018) and Jackie Young (2019) – will join a sea of Santas alongside Opportunity Village as they proudly serve as the official 5K Grand Marshals of the 15th anniversary Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Saturday, December 7, which kicks off at the Fremont Street Experience.

Returning to Downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Great Santa Run presented by Circle K will also welcome the famed Chippendales as the one-mile Kris Kringle Jingle Marshals as well as greetings from Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Oscar Goodman. Guests will enjoy special performances and appearances by FIT4MOM, Santa Claus and the beloved OV Elvi – the world’s only all-Elvis dance troupe, and more.

“Jackie and I are very excited to partner with Opportunity Village and lead the Las Vegas community as Grand Marshals of the 15th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run,” said A’ja Wilson, two-time WNBA All-Star and the 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year. “We know this year will be bigger than ever. I can’t wait to celebrate this incredible cause with thousands of our fans, supporters, and friends.”

In addition, Las Vegas’ favorite mascots will pump up the morning crowd with Chance (Vegas Golden Knights), Hey Reb! (UNLV Rebels), Bucket$ the Rabbit (Las Vegas Aces), Aviator and Spruce the Goose (Las Vegas Aviators), and 2 Viva Girls. We’ll be having some fun on-stage with a variety of holiday themed “Minute to Win It” games where the Grand Marshals and Bucket$ will compete alongside Michael A., Alan K. and Jamie N.– Opportunity Village Ambassadors. Once participants take to the course, the water station will be more high energy than ever before with ongoing performances by Del Sol Academy Dragon Fire Marching Band.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run will offer a post-race celebration at the Zappos’ Llama Lot for all participants, family and friends. The general public is also welcome to attend at no charge. The entertainment stage emcee, Mark Shunock (Monday’s Dark), will welcome a variety of performances including: WOW! The Vegas Spectacular, Kung Pow (DJ), Celestia the Show, Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel in Concert, and Empire Records. In addition to entertainment there will be adult beverages, giant inflatable bungee basketball, a petting zoo, and numerous food trucks and vendor booths.

Known as one of Las Vegas’ most jolly fun runs, the internationally recognized Las Vegas Great Santa Run raises funds and awareness for Opportunity Village’s programs and services, which provide unparalleled opportunities, enrichment and support to nearly 2,000 Southern Nevada residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The holiday event is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Registration is now open for the 2019 Las Vegas Great Santa Run at LVSantaRun.com and is $40 for general participation, free for children three and under, and $10 for canine companions. The package includes a five-piece Santa suit, a runner goody bag, and a special anniversary finisher’s medal. Pet registration includes tasty treats and a gift bag. In addition, the top three individual fundraisers of the Las Vegas Great Santa Run will win two tickets to see Christina Aguilera’s Las Vegas residency at the Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood. As a bonus, this year Opportunity Village has partnered with LaLa Photography as the official photographer of the fun run. They will be taking photos along the course and commemorative shots of participants with their medals at the after-party.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run pre-race entertainment begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Third Street Stage on Fremont Street. From there, participants will proceed to the starting line with a 10:00 a.m. start time for the 5k and a 10:30 a.m. start time for the 1-mile. The After Party kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m.

About Opportunity Village
Mission: Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities, to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

Seven families who were determined to give their children with disabilities the best lives possible founded Opportunity Village in 1954. Now, more than six decades later, Opportunity Village is one of the most recognized and respected organizations of its type in the United States.

Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities, Opportunity Village serves nearly 2,000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that make their lives more purposeful and interesting.

Opportunity Village clients – individuals who were previously considered unemployable – work at Opportunity Village’s Employment Resource Centers and in jobs throughout the community, collectively earning wages amounting to more than $3.6 million in 2018. They are hardworking and diligent, proudly paying taxes and happily leading more fulfilling lives.

Media Contacts
Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications
acurry@kirvindoak.com
702.737.3100

Marty Wood, Opportunity Village
woodm@opportunityvillage.org
702.880.4041 / 702.234.5322