Stamford Martial Arts School Hosts 5K To Benefit Wounded Warriors

STAMFORD, Conn. -- The Dojo martial arts school in Stamford is partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project for a 5K walk/run on Sunday at Westhill High School to raise money for returning men and women in the military.

The Dojo in Stamford raised $5,600 for Lifestraw with its first fund-raiser 5K. This year, the race will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

by The Daily Voice

09/14/2013 4:00 a.m.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon. The students, families and friends of the martial arts school will be participating.

The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured service members and to provide programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. Shihan Manny Esmeraldo, owner and instructor at Dojo, heard about the project and felt compelled to help.

“We are teaching and reminding our students and families how important it is to support our brothers and sisters serving and sacrificing so much to keep America free and safe,” Esmeraldo said. "I know that there’s nothing we can do to repay them for their sacrifice, but at least this will help."

Last year, the school held a Dojo Dash and raised money for Lifestraw, a personal water-filtration system, for people in Haiti. The school raised about $5,600, enough for 800 water-filtration systems for needy people in Haiti. "It was an awesome accomplishment for our small community. This year we want to do even better," she said.

“After researching what is happening to our troops, especially after injuries, I felt our martial arts community could make a difference,” said Esmeraldo.

For more information, call The Dojo at 203-322-2433. Walk-up race day participants are welcome until 9:30 a.m. Race fee is $40, which includes an event T-shirt.

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