Fortis 5K to generate ‘much needed funds’

Kingston College's fourth annual road race, the FLOW/PUMA Fortis 5K, slated for Sunday May 22, is being staged to raise much-

needed funds to benefit students as well as provide worthwhile contributions to society, including another donation to the Alpha Boys' School.

The event was launched yesterday at the school's North Street campus.

"KC needs support and the FLOW/PUMA Fortis 5K is one of the avenues to raise much 'needed funds'for our school," said Parent-Teacher Association president Stewart Jacobs, who noted that more than 50 parents will form the nucleus of event marshalls and volunteers.

While the 5K run/walk race will get under way 6:30 a.m., Dave Myrie, principal, described KC as a school that "loves sports, not a sports school", and which seeks to enable access to social mobility and provide opportunities for students through sports.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is now open, costing $1,000 per adult. Students will be asked to pay $500 to compete. Teams, inclusive of corporate groups, schools, clubs and church groups, can also register before Friday.

Participants can register online via debit/credit card payment at www.RunningEventsJa.com, or pay at the school or any Paymaster outlet islandwide.

Meanwhile, event patron Professor Stephen Vasciannie, a distinguished KC old boy, who also serves as their current Schools' Challenge Quiz head coach, was described as someone who the school population admires, not just for his contributions, but intellect, by head boy, Everton Rattray, who chaired yesterday's launch.

Vasciannie, himself a former head boy, said, "I am always happy to be back at KC," adding that he was honoured to be the patron and looking to help the event meet its objectives.

Founder Ricardo Case will also be honoured for his contribution.

The event started in 2007 and attracted a modest 1,000 participants. This year, stakeholders are hoping to attract more than 5,000 from the school community and wider Jamaica.

FLOW's sponsorship cheque of $850,000 was presented by Donovan White, a KC old boy and vice-president C&W Business Jamaica.

White said his organisation was happy to continue being a "major stakeholder in local athletics" and called on supporters to help make the event a success.