Kingston, Jamaica; On Sunday, November 17 the European Union will spearhead an initiative which sees a Children’s 2K being added to the second staging of the CB Group UWI 5K Run/Walk. The support comes as a result of the head of the European Union Delegation to Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei’s own participation in the first staging of the 5K which left an indelible mark. The EU through sponsorship of 50 children to take part in the inaugural Island Grill Kiddies 2K event will show their commitment to the initiative.
Kingston, Jamaica; On Sunday, November 17 the European Union will spearhead an initiative which sees a Children’s 2K being added to the second staging of the CB Group UWI 5K Run/Walk. The support comes as a result of the head of the European Union Delegation to Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei’s own participation in the first staging of the 5K which left an indelible mark. The EU through sponsorship of 50 children to take part in the inaugural Island Grill Kiddies 2K event will show their commitment to the initiative.
Ambassador Paola Amadei looks forward to this year’s staging which is now, through the EU’s own support, suited for all participants, “myself, and my family enjoyed the atmosphere at the University and we liked the initiative which brought Jamaicans from all walks of life together for a truly worthy cause. This year we thought we would come back with a group and we decided to also sponsor 50 kids for the inaugural Island Grill 2K. My son is eager to participate as last year he wrote the organizers complaining that there needs to be a race for just the kids,” she said.
By expanding to accommodate the children’s race the CB Group UWI 5K event will be seeking to improve upon the success of the inaugural staging which amassed 18 Million Dollars in aid of student development at the region’s premier tertiary institution. The registration fee for children is $500.
The Island Grill Kiddies 2K will take place immediately following the adult event. “This is so the kids will have an audience to support and cheer them on as they race around the combination of the three fields at the Mona Bowl”, said Alfred ‘Franno’ Francis of Running Events Jamaica, managers of this year’s staging. Francis further explained the route for the 2K saying it will include most of the UWI Mona Bowl running trail which is extends around the cricket ground and football fields 1 and 2. The route is specially designed so the kids can be in full view of the supporters. This will allow for additional motivation as well as for security.
The kids will also have additional motivation, as 200M star Warren Weir is slated as the patron of this year’s 5K event. Weir has recognized the value of the CB Group UWI 5K Run/Walk and has agreed to lead the rallying of support for the race.
This particular initiative was born out of the youngsters’ desire to participate and be awarded official times. Following suggestions from parents and other race competitors from last year’s 5K the event organizers designed a race especially for the younger generation. The 2K will now offer a chance for these children to compete amongst their peers in a new, fun concept.
This reinforces the fact that the CB Group UWI 5K Run/Walk is an event for the entire family. Multiple generations of a household can participate as persons walk or run the courses as suits their age and fitness level.
With the addition of the Island Grill Kiddies 2K the event organizers hope to improve upon the registered participants. All proceeds will go directly to the aid of student development in the form of sporting and academic scholarships.
Photo: Thalia Lyn of Island Grill
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