Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) hosted its inaugural “Strides for Change” walk at Centennial Olympic Park on Sept. 16, 2006 as part of a nationwide tour to 23 major cities. “Strides for Change” is a fun, community-driven 5K walk that raises funds to aid in MADD’s mission to stop drunk driving. Every step taken and pledge made at MADD’s signature walk raises funds and awareness that helps make communities safer.

This was the second year the Georgia Chapter, one of 600 MADD chapters around the country, hosted a walk, but its first time at Centennial Olympic Park. MADD needed the new downtown space as the event, with 600 participants, was roughly six times larger than the previous year. Those who pre-registered were encouraged to bring their friends, family, coworkers, and even dogs to walk and enjoy the pet area, health and safety fair, kid zone, as well as live entertainment.

MADD National President Glynn Birch attended the event. Mr. Birch is a father who lost his son in a tragic accident involving drunk driving. MADD is a nonprofit organization for anyone who has lost someone to an accident involving drunk driving. 41% of fatal vehicle crashes are alcohol related. Since MADD was founded, an estimated 300,000 lives have been saved nationwide. MADD is not a crusade against alcohol consumption, their mission is to stop drunk driving, support victims of alcohol related accidents, and prevent illegal, underage drinking.

For more information on how you can participate in a “Strides for Change” walk in other cities, log on to www.stridesforchange.org.

A lasting legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park has become a performing-arts venue, community gathering-space and an anchor for downtown development. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority operates the 21-acre Park, as well as the Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center. The three state-owned facilities are one of the largest combined sports, entertainment and convention center facilities in the world.