UWI 5K goes virtual

IN LIGHT of the ongoing pandemic, the CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K will go virtual once again this year.

The event begins today and continues to November 25, allowing persons from around the globe to participate in a most worthwhile cause – raising much-needed funds for academically outstanding students in dire financial need at The University of the West Indies.

“The CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K now in its 10th year has provided 300 scholarships to students who would not have been able to attend The UWI had it not been for this event. Most of the students are the first in their families, some the first in their communities to attend an institution of higher education. This event has had a tremendous impact on not only their lives, but generations to come,” shared Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, UWI executive director, Institutional Advancement and convener of the event.

The event will be held once again under the distinguished patronage of philanthropists Dr Thalia Lyn, honorary consul of Thailand to Jamaica; Dr Douglas Orane and Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang.

Dr Chin-Loy Chang congratulated the scholarship awardees and applauded them for staying the course through the difficult times over the past 18 months and urged them to live up to the expectations of those who have their interest at heart.

BIG DREAMS

“Dream big dreams and surround yourself with like-minded people you can trust and never compromise your principles. Strive to become top in your field, receive everything with grace, be kind, be vigilant and decipher your intake of social media and news and understand what’s fact and what’s fiction, take care of our planet and never forget to send the elevator back down, to give a hand up with a glad heart and an open mind,” were some of the advice she shared with the awardees.

A key feature of the event is honouring individuals who have made outstanding contribution to sports. Taking home this year’s award will be reigning Olympic gold medallist, men’s 110 metres hurdler, Hansle Parchment, who was recognised at the launch of the 10th annual CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K for his outstanding achievements in track and field.

Parchment thanked the university for the honour and pledged his support for the event.

To participate, persons must register at www.uwi5k.org or at the sports department at The UWI, after which they will receive their bibs and then they have the opportunity to do their run/walk over the five-week period that ends on November 25. Their final times must be submitted to the 5K website and all finishers will be awarded medals.

The event has always held a strong belief in inclusivity, whereby the next generations of leaders from four to 11 years old are invited to participate in the Smart Eggs Kids K, as well as members of the disability community.

Registration fees to participate are as follows: Regular 5K – J$1,500/US$10 per person; Team 50 5K – J$1,200/US$8 per person; Student 5K – J$750/US$5 per person (ages 1-17); Regular Kids K – J$750/US$5 per person (ages 1-11).