INGALLS’ FIFTH ANNUAL “5K ON THE CAUSEWAY” RAISES $13,000 FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Sept. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries' (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division raised $13,000 Saturday for Special Olympics of Mississippi at the company's fifth annual "5K on the Causeway" held on Singing River Island.

“Ingalls, along with, Interactive Health, is proud to support Special Olympics of Mississippi, and we are especially proud of the annual 5K on the Causeway,” said Edmond Hughes, vice president of human resources. “The 5K gives us an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause while promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness for our employees and the local community.”

Ingalls also donated $5,000 in May to athletes at the 2016 Special Olympics of Mississippi Summer Games held earlier this year at Keesler Air Force base.

“Many of the employees start training weeks in advance to get ready for this event every year,” said Program Manager for Interactive Health, Joni Goodman. “Over the past five years we’ve seen increased participation and dedication to this event, and it has become a special race for a worthy cause. It’s wonderful to see so many folks devoted to a great cause.”

Runners start the 2016 Ingalls Shipbuilding 5K on the Causeway. Photo by Andrew Young/HII

More than 740 runners participated in the 2016 race. This year’s top male runner was Josh Becker, and the top female runner was Ingalls employee Amanda Whitaker. Each 5K winner received a medal hand designed by Special Olympics athletes. After the race, Gulf Coast families stayed on Singing River Island for activities inside the kid’s area, live music and free food provided by local vendors. Also this year, a fun run was added for Special Olympics athletes.