When Austin Berg was out playing tennis with his players on a warm afternoon last week, the ability to engage in a physical activity and participate competitively probably didn’t cross his mind.

But it’s fair to say that it crosses his mind when he’s in his role as a Physical Education teacher at Gockley Elementary School. That’s when he sees the everyday challenges confronting someone who has 22q Deletion Syndrome, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome, a disorder caused by a defect in the 22 chromosome.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 22q11.d Deletion Syndrome - its full name - results in the poor development of several body systems. While symptoms vary, they can include heart defects, poor immune system function, complications related to low levels of calcium in the blood, and delayed development with behavioral and emotional problems.

The race was something that Berg initiated, starting with an email to his colleagues at the Whitehall-Coplay School District who immediately “jumped on board.”

He said that he has at least 10 faculty members volunteering their services, and he’s also looking to get volunteers from the National Honor Society to come out and help marshall the event.

Berg said that while 22q Deletion Syndrome may cause learning support issues and physical disabilities, it doesn’t dampen the spirit of someone who’s dealing with the disorder. He sees that spirit at work every week. Berg said that this student has a great heart, and doesn’t accept any accommodations when participating in gym class.

“She wants to go full-go in all the gym classes,” said Berg.

She has become an inspiration, and Berg wanted to recognize that spirit and help bring awareness to 22q Deletion Syndrome.

Her refusal to be defined by her limitations has become a great motivation for everyone.

“It just empowers everyone in the class,” said Berg.

He said that three students in the district are affected by the disorder and he wanted to do something that will have a lasting legacy, starting with this inaugural 5K run on June 17.

Berg said that they’ll be partnering with Bryn Mawr Running Company who will be handling the logistics. Signups are available through their website at brynmawrrunningco.com. Once on site, click on the Events tab and then choose June where the Zephyr 5K race appears halfway down the page. Instructions for signing up appear on that line.

“We’re just trying to get as many people out in the community as possible,” said Berg.

He hopes it will also draw attention to the school. The funds will be put toward research to find a cure for this very rare disease. Berg said that they will be donating all the proceeds from the run to the organization that helps fund research into 22q Deletion Syndrome.

The race will start in the transportation parking lot on the Whitehall-Coplay School District campus. The race will go throughout the campus and will end on the track. Each participant will get a T-shirt, and a free “kid run” will take place on the track for the registrants. In addition, food vendors will be on site and there will be free water at the conclusion of the race.

The 5K races begins at 9:15 a.m., and awards will be distributed following the race.