Chargers' Center to Kick Off First Live Well 5K

Early on the morning of Saturday, May 31, San Diego Chargers’ center Nick Hardwick will be lacing up his walking shoes and heading to NTC Park at Liberty Station to lead the inaugural Live Well San Diego 5K run/walk in support of San Diego County’s adoptions and foster care programs.

“When I saw what this walk was all about, and what it represented and what the funds were going to, it’s hard not to get behind something like this,” said Hardwick. “It benefits kids that need help, and who doesn’t want to help kids?”

The proceeds from the event benefit the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center, a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care.

Hardwick would be glad if you and your family or friends would join the event and run or walk.

“You are supporting a really fantastic cause,” he said. “They’re beautiful kids at the Polinsky Center and this center needs to keep thriving and keep providing for the kids and get them back on their feet and going in the right direction.

“The kids have all the skills, talent and ability to do great things; they just need a little assistance in the meantime.”

The run/walk is a family-friendly event that will include games and fun for all ages including music, a food court, Kids Fun Zone, an autograph booth featuring Hardwick and other current and former Chargers players Live Well San Diego and a resource fair for Live Well San Diego, the County’s initiative to promote residents’ well-being.

Hardwick said having young sons of his own is part of what propelled him to become involved.

“Having kids now has opened up a completely different side of me that I didn’t know existed,” he said. “I want to give back to kids that don’t necessarily have what I had growing up or what my kids have growing up.

“It feels so good to be helping the Polinsky Center.”

Hardwick dropped by the center last week to meet the foster youth currently residing there and did a special autograph session for them.

“It’s a fantastic place and the kids are all so charming,” he said. “I got to chat with several of them for extended periods of time and I’m looking forward to seeing what they become and how they grow.”

You can register online to participate in the 5K. It’s $30 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under. Participants receive a commemorative Live Well San Diego 5k T-shirt and race gift bag.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8 a.m. NTC Park at Liberty Station is located at 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego.

—County News Center