Sigma Run 2021 targets $50 million
Published:Tuesday | January 12, 2021 | 12:10 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Sagicor Group President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Zacca said the aim of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run this year is to raise $50 million.
This year’s event will be done primarily virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants running on their own and submitting their times.
The event raised a record $55.3 million dollars last year for three beneficiaries, the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the Savanna-La-Mar Public General Hospital, and Clifton Boys’ Home.
The beneficiaries this year are the Annotto Bay Hospital and the Port Antonio Hospital.
Sagicor will also be developing a one-year programme to get the nation’s children back on track with their education as many students’ school routine has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tablets will also be purchased to support students who are unable to afford the device for online learning.
The race days will be from February 14-21. There will be a special invitational race, which will be staged on Sunday 21. It will entail a double-loop course in New Kingston, with the observed protocols in place.
“We are going to make it (the target), and we are going to beat it like we do with every target, which Sagicor sets for itself, and our team gets behind with the support of our clients and Jamaica,” Zacca said in an online press conference yesterday. “Since its inception in 1999, the Sigma Run has impacted numerous lives and has contributed greatly to developing various institutions across Jamaica.
“Through the support of corporate Jamaica and individuals over the years, the Sigma Run has raised over $450 million to support numerous health institutions and child- related charities throughout Jamaica.”
World Under-20 double-sprint champion Briana Williams will be this year’s patron.
Williams said she is delighted to be associated with the event, and she is looking forward to her association with Sagicor.
“I have been so blessed, and I want to pass on that blessing to others who may not be as fortunate,” she said. “I believe it is part of our duty to give back when we are in a position to help others.
“You can participate virtually from where you are whether you run, walk, or wheel. You can make a difference and positively impact many lives.”
Registration for the event runs until February 12 and costs $2,000.