Special UWI 5K helps dreams become reality – Francis

ALFRED ‘FRANNO’ Francis, race director of the CB Group UWI 5K, said this year’s staging of the event represents the perfect opportunity to make a positive change in the lives of students as the funds raised from the race will be used to fund several scholarships.

The UWI 5K and the Run with Passion Kids K is set for November 24 starting at the UWI Mona campus.

Speaking at the race’s media launch on Monday, Francis said the UWI 5K is a special event on the road race calendar because of its purpose of lending a helping had to students who would otherwise find it difficult to pursue their dreams.

“The UWI 5K is one with a very special cause,” he said.

“We see that we have so many talented persons in Jamaica, youngsters who are in need of assistance to realise their dreams and we are raising the funds through this means to facilitate their dreams.

“I think what separates the UWI 5K is that it is being done by the university. We have so many scholarship winners coming here from outside of Jamaica and also within Jamaica, and the fact is that there are students here who are struggling. So through this means, we can alleviate some of the pressure off them. They are brilliant students, but they come from humble beginnings and they need our support.”

This year is the 13th staging of the event and Francis is hoping for a large turnout from the public in support of their cause.

With the inaugural staging back in 2012, the UWI 5K has been able to support hundreds of students who had been in financial need.

This year, they will award 17 students with several sporting and academic scholarships across various faculties.

He has encouraged the public to show their support through participating in the event or donating where they can.

“Through the UWI 5K, we have been able to help hundreds of students and we want to continue the growth and expand the pool of what we can do,” an impassioned Francis explained.

“So I am encouraging everyone to come and support this event. Even if you cannot come and participate, whether you’re not able to run, walk or dance, then you can always donate, donate and donate.

“Groups can come together and make up a scholarship. You don’t have to say ‘I don’t have a couple of hundred thousand dollars’. Your friends and yourself can come together and make a scholarship and put a smile on someone’s face and change the life of someone who is maybe the first person from their district, the first person from their family, who will acquire a university education and change a generation.”

The race will have three categories for participants, including a 5K run, a 5K walk and a wheelchair category. There will also be a 1K race for children to be involved in.

One of the event’s main attractions will be the location as the UWI Mona campus provides a scenic route for the public to enjoy.

“The race in itself, the route it takes, the music and the fun along the way is also another high point. The post-race involvement and the many human interest stories that will really give you goosebumps and bring you to tears are also there,” he said.

“Speaking to the race experience, we have different categories. We have a 5K run, we have a 5K walk, we have a wheelchair category, and we also have a kids’ category. The ambience and just the beauty of the green space at the university is something to come and enjoy.”