Women run for AIDS victims

THIS year’s Ribbons of Hope 5K women’s run/walk  is expected to raise close to $100,000 for HIV/Aids victims.

This is the optimistic expectation of Clary Benn, Executive Director of the Unit Trust Corporation, primary sponsors of the event slated for May 31 which starts and ends at Memorial Park in Port-of-Spain. Benn was encouraged in his projection by what he described as “a fantastic show” in the first edition of the novel race last year for women specifically but to which men are invited to participate.

The official launch of the race was staged yesterday in the Penthouse of the UTC Building, Port-of-Spain. In attendance were Renwick Nickie, UTC executive manager; Dr Emery Browne of CARe and Anthony Appoy, race organiser representing the Road Runners Club. Benn said his organisation has been conscious of the problems that the incurable disease causes throughout the world and decided to contribute to its eradication through two ways. “Firstly we hope to enhance the level of consciousness of HIV/AIDS and secondly to contribute to those organisations whose responsibility it is to fight the plague,” said Benn yesterday. He said the Marketing Department of the UTC, headed by former journalist Natalie Suite, had embarked on a programme to execute those lofty ideals and had done so with stunning results. “It is safe to say the response exceeded the expectations with 2,000 participants. The venture realised close to $60,000 which was distributed to organisations fighting HIV/AIDS,” said Benn. Among those sharing in the funds realised in the first Ribbons of Hope 5k were the Cyril Ross Nursery in Tunapuna and the Tobago Oasis Foundation.

This year CARe, headed by Dr Browne, has been chosen to be the main recepient of the funds raised in the race which is expected to attract close to 3,500 runners. Dr Browne praised the efforts of the UTC to contribute meaningfully to the battle against the scourge which he said in the main has been greeted by sensationalism and silence by the general public of Trinidad and Tobago. But he said the Government five-year multi-sectoral plan is ambitious and a step in the right direction to help fight the spread of the disease and alleviate the negative social and economic impact it has in the short and long term. Appoy, a former top road runner said although the Ribbons of Hope 5K is only two years old it has emerged as one of the premier races on the local road running calendar with attractive prizes and incentives for the first ten finishers.

The race organiser said this year there have been several changes to the route which remains scenic and he expected a record time of just over 18 minutes on May 31. Appoy said apart from last year’s winner Pilar McShine, efforts are being made to have Antigua’s Janil Williams participate to add an international flavour to the event. UTC Executive manager Nickie said he was impressed with the courage and willingness of the women to compete in the event for a very noble cause but has deferred his plan to jump into the fray this year. The aerobic warm-up, prior to the race, he said is also revealing as even pregnant women come out to join the UTC in their effort to make a significant impact in the fight against the dreaded HIV/AIDS disease. Registration forms for the Ribbons of Hope 5K are available at all UTC offices and Kenny’s Sports Stores.