SAJ says, thank you!
The scenic Palisadoes, cool sea breeze and an institute of higher learning provided the perfect setting for the successful staging of the Shipping Association of Jamaica's (SAJ) 75th Anniversary 5K Run/Walk.
As the sun rose on the morning of June 28, runners and walkers athered at the Caribbean Maritime Institute were champing at the bit, eager to brave the yellow beast and asphalt to record their best times. Others, however, were in a celebratory mood, happy just to be part of an event marking SAJ's 75th anniversary.
"Our aim was to have at least 500 participants. However, we had more than 800 persons who registered for the event," Andrea White, chairperson for the SAJ's RunWalk committee, shared.
"To all the runners and walkers who participated, we want to say thank you for your support and for making our 75th anniversary Run/Walk a success," White said.
She pointed out that the event owed its success largely to its sponsors and the team from Running Events Limited.
The team from Running Events, she said, led by Alfred 'Frano' Francis, with its wealth of knowledge, expertly guided the process while working along with the team from the SAJ.
Grateful to sponsors
"I must say a special thank you to our sponsors who partnered with us for our 75th anniversary Run/Walk," White said. "Our sponsors delivered beyond our expectations and they demonstrated the value of the relationship they have with the Shipping Association."
Sponsors for the event were JP Tropical Foods, PepsiCola Jamaica, GraceKennedy, Power 106/Music 99 FM, Leder Mode Ltd, Advantum, Safety and Industrial Supplies Limited, MicroLabs Limited, Newport Medical Group, Allied Insurance Brokers, Caribbean Maritime Institute and The Gleaner Company Limited.
White added that, based on the positive feedback from both participants and sponsors, the SAJ will be hosting another 5K next year.
"This time we will bring the event to Port Bustamante and give persons an opportunity to see another side of the shipping industry," she said.