Olympic and World champion Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s most decorated athlete, has partnered with the Jamaica National Foundation, through his Usain Bolt Foundation, to host the third staging of the Heroes in Act!on Run/Walk.
“I’m happy to be partnering with the JN Foundation to stage this initiative, which will this year benefit the Trelawny Infirmary,” Bolt said.
“Our elders and senior citizens are to be cherished. Without their endless sacrifice during our early years, we wouldn’t be capable of what we are doing today,” he said, pointing out the need for us to now care for them.
The proceeds from the event, which will take place under the theme ,’Run For Our Heroes’, will be donated to the institution in Falmouth to upgrade and refurbish the facility, which houses some 62 senior citizens.
“I urge everyone to come on board and join us to run for a worthy cause. Please sign up to participate by October 11,” he appealed.
Saffrey Brown, general manager, JN Foundation, said this year’s theme is very significant with the focus being placed on improving the home for the elderly. She added that the Usain Bolt Foundation has been partnering with Jamaica National from the inception of the run three years ago.
“We are happy for this partnership. The Usain Bolt Foundation and the JN Foundation have similar values as we impact, inspire, and innovate. Our work is to focus on creating opportunities through education and cultural development for a positive change,” she said.
Post-run celebration
The run/walk will be held on Sunday, October 15, starting at the Falmouth Cruise Port at 7 a.m. The post-run celebration, featuring an awards ceremony, will be held at the same venue.
This year’s event will have participants engaged in either a 4K Fun Run or a 10K Run. The 4K Fun Run, geared towards the family, is designed for walkers and runners, showcasing four fun obstacles along the route that children can also enjoy. Experienced and non-experienced runners can also enjoy the 4K Fun Run challenge.
The 10K Run, however, is targeting more experienced runners, a great pre-event for runners interested in participating in marathon races later this year. Speed walkers may opt to participate in the 10K Run.
Persons can visit the JN Foundation and Running Events websites at www.www.jnfoundation.com or www.runningeventsja.com to view the route maps and also register. Participants can also register at any JN Bank branch or JN MoneyShop across the country.
Individual forms are to be submitted before the close of registration at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11.
The event will culminate in a post-run celebration featuring Ding Dong, Kevin Downswell, and an awards ceremony.
The event is endorsed by the Ministries of Health, Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. Gatorade, Digicel and Puma, Bolt’s sponsors over the years, are among 10 sponsors.
