Mico launches third staging of the PUMP It Up 5K Run/Walk

The Mico University College launched the third staging of the Pre-University Men's Programme PUMP It Up 5K Run/Walk on Monday. The fundraising initiative will be held on Sunday with the objective of raising funds to provide scholarships for at risk young men.

In his address as guest speaker, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda said, "This 5k run/walk, which will take place on November 18, is indeed a physical occupation, which is being pursued with a competitive or recreational purpose in mind, with the ultimate deliverable being an improved state of health, performance and lifestyle." He was explaining the importance of pursuing sport with purpose regardless of the objective.

STAND YOUR GROUND

The JOA president continued, "Men must stand their ground and make their mark, which I presume are two hallmarks of PUMP. Marginalisation is not an option and is not an elective. In this regard, my sense of, and hope for, education as an instrument of change and transformation compel me irretrievably to further embrace what I have always felt - that the mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a light to be kindled."

The launch saw the attendance of current and past PUMP students, with one Romario Prendergast, a scholarship recipient and past PUMP student, giving a testimonial of the impact the programme has had on his development.

"The PUMP programme, along with the help of lecturers, has made a young man like me, from the community of Trench Town, now supervisor in the Island Grill franchise and a student in the Faculty of Humanities and Liberal Arts."

Ian Forbes, committee chair, indicated that the route is one of the few true 5k events locally. It starts on Marescaux Road and goes up to Tom Redcam through New Kingston via Trinidad Terrace, Altamont Crescent, Haining Road, Oxford Road, and back towards the Mico.