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A North Alabama fitness center is putting on a 5k to support the Madison County Special Olympics figure skating team.

Three Madison County Special Olympics figure skating team members are set to compete in the World Winter Games in Italy this March.

Beth Allen, Deeb Habchi, and Cody Wheatley have been training diligently at the Â鶹´«Ã½ Ice Plex, where the Madison County Special Olympics figure skating team practices regularly. After a recent training session, it was clear the skaters are both excited and prepared for the upcoming competition.

Coach Heidi Parker said the experience awaiting her athletes will be life-changing.

"I think their whole world is going to open up exponentially, and they're going to know how much their hard work has paid off once they get there and see themselves on the world stage," Parker said. "It's just how special the moment is."

Spine Fit and Spine Care are hosting a 5K and fun run to support the team's journey to Italy. The event will take place on Feb. 8, starting at 8 a.m. at the Spine Fit Gym on County Line Road.

Bobbi Santiago from Spine Fit said they are just happy to be able to help out their client Beth and her team. She said they plan to continue doing these runs annually to support the Special Olympics.

Parker is encouraging people to come participate and show their support for the Special Olympics team as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For more information on the run, click . And for more information on the Madison County Special Olympics, click .