DG encourages fundraising and fitness

DG’s 5k Fun Run, sponsors and SOCI athletes

(CNS): The registration for the 2015 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge has now opened and Franz Manderson is urging the community to join in to improve their fitness and raise much-needed funds for the Special Olympians of the Cayman Islands (SOCI), who have their sites on the Los Angeles Games this summer. The challenge is set for Sunday 26 April, when civil servants, private sector employees and members of the general public come together for fitness and fundraising.

Part of Deputy Governor Franz Manderson’s vision to have a healthier, more active and more socially engaged civil service while benefiting charitable organisations and initiatives in the Cayman Islands. The run is now in its second year.

“We are looking forward to this year’s DG’s 5K Challenge to be bigger and better than ever,” said Manderson.  “We not only want to raise more funds and participation, but we also want to raise the bar for us all to ‘challenge’ ourselves as a community to support our SOCI athletes.  These athletes challenge themselves every day to strive for the best that they can be in their personal pursuit of excellence.  Let’s show our united support,” he added.

The DG’s 5K Challenge is open to all ages and abilities, and provides many opportunities to support and participate. The committee said the objective for this year is to raise $20,000 for SOCI and be the largest 5K event that brings private and public sectors together for one cause.

Nancy Barnard, chair of the fundraising sub-committee, said Gold Sponsors Appleby, Butterfield and Ernst & Young (EY) have already committed their support and Silver sponsorship has now come from Cayman National Bank, Walkers, Samson & McGrath, and KPMG.

“The LIME and PwC Water Stops will provide hydration on the run, while CINICO has sponsored the Half Way mark.  Dinner Martin, London & Amsterdam, Wilmington Trust and Ritch & Conolly have sponsored the Kilometer Markers.  Radio Cayman is pivotal in the media drive among others’ expressions of interest to support the event and SOCI,” she said.

Jennifer Ahearn, the health ministry’s chief executive officer and co-chair of the challenge said there are still lots of sponsorship opportunities available.  “We are looking for cash donations, in-kind donations of products, services and prizes, and of course we want to encourage everyone to participate through registration and volunteering,” she added.

Susan Whittaker, the SOCI coach, said the fundraiser was a huge boost to the athletes and their plans to make the Special Olympics World Games.

Registration is taking place every Friday from 6 March until 24 April at the Cayman Islands Government Administration building on Elgin Avenue.  There are discounts for groups of ten registering at the same time. There will be trophies and awards, and prize draws for all participants and volunteers. Registration forms including all the details of the event and a route map can be downloaded from www.ODG.gov.ky/DG5K or will be emailed by request to DG5K@gov.ky.

The 2015 DG’s 5K Challenge welcomes support and participation through a wide range of opportunities: donation, volunteering, participation and sponsorship.  Registration and general questions can be emailed to DG5K@gov.ky  Volunteers can register at VolunteerDG5K@gov.ky  Cash and prize donations can be communicated toSupportDG5K@gov.ky