Norwin’s Federovich goes extra mile for charity

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 | 11:18 PM

Previous Next

Challenge accepted.

Matt Federovich set out to run a mile every hour for 24 hours as part of a web challenge. But when the Norwin senior was approaching mile No. 20, he became tired and sore.

That is when the standout track athlete and soccer player received some helpful advice from his mother, Laura. What started as a pick-me-up meant to rally Federovich for the final 5 miles became a fundraiser for unwell children.

“She said that whenever things get tough to push through and to think about the kids at Children’s Hospital that are sick and struggling,” Federovich said. “Do it for the kids who can’t go through and do these challenges.”

Federovich decided to make a challenge of his own to followers through a GoFundMe page. The Bucknell track recruit is accepting donations for his 24-mile jaunt, with all of the money going to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.

His goal started at $500, but he was up to $1,200 by Wednesday afternoon. He had 29 donors in a little less than four hours.

“If anybody wants to run with me and spread the word, please do,” Federovich said on a YouTube video on the web page.

Help Matt reach his goal for Childrens Hospital. 4 more miles to hit his 1-mile each hour for 24 hours!!!!!

Fundraiser by Matthew Federovich : 24 Hour Run For Children’s Hospital PGH https://t.co/opMt9kAhnq

— Norwin Track & Field (@NorwinTrack) May 12, 2020

Federovich, who was about to finish his final 3 miles Tuesday night, said the cause is his best motivation. He said he did not sleep for about 30 hours, and he pushed through to the finish.

“I wanted to finish it for the kids while, hopefully, raising some money for them as well,” he said. “I didn’t sleep because I was scared I wouldn’t wake up to keep going. I want to make sure I finish strong. I’m super excited that I raised so much money already.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin