DOVER, Del. (March 30, 2015) – Dover International Speedway and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are pleased to once again support Autism Speaks’ global Light It Up Blue campaign. The Monster Monument and hotel exterior will participate by both being illuminated in blue throughout the month of April.
With both companies partaking in this event, this will mean that two of the most distinguishable landmarks in Delaware will be lit up blue during April. The Monster Monument, made of fiberglass and standing at 46-feet tall, is also known as Miles the Monster, the track’s recognizable icon. Located in Victory Plaza, it is one of the largest fiberglass sports monument in the country. The 500-room hotel, Delaware’s largest hotel, will also be lit by blue lights.
The Speedway and Autism Speaks have maintained a strong relationship over the last nine years, with the two organizations coming together during the track’s spring race weekend in order to assist in raising funds and awareness for the cause.
Recognized every year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was originally implemented by the United Nations in 2007 to help educate society about autism and how this worldwide health issue is rising over time. WAAD helps spread knowledge across the globe of the effects of autism and distribute appropriate information regarding topics such as early diagnosis and intervention.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
On a local level, Dover International Speedway and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are proud to partner with Autism Delaware’s Productive Opportunities for Work and Recreation Program (POW&R program) to provide employment opportunities for adults with autism spectrum disorders. A total of nine individuals on the autism spectrum are currently employed by Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Dover International Speedway in a variety of capacities. Both companies have gained highly productive, reliable employees.
To help support this vibrant partnership, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino donated office space to Autism Delaware in 2013. The office supports the POW&R program at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Dover International Speedway as well as provides for a Kent County office for Autism Delaware. The office provides adult services, clinical services and family support.
For more information about Light It Up Blue, visit liub.autismspeaks.org.
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About Dover Motorsports, Inc.
Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. The company also hosts the annual Firefly Music Festival on its property each summer. Produced by Chicago-based Red Frog Events, the four day event features more than 100 bands on seven stages in The Woodlands at Dover International Speedway. The organization will also host the first annual Big Barrel Country Music Festival this summer. This event will be produced by Goldenvoice and is slated to feature over 40 country music artists. For further information, log on to www.DoverMotorsports.com.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of more than 2,400 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.
