WESTERN BUREAU:
Chief organiser for the Women with a Purpose third annual 5K Treasure Hunt Run/Walk, Janette Kaloo, expressed delight that German bra manufacturers Anita have come on board as title sponsors for the October 15 event.
Ms Kaloo says she is excited about the development, adding that Anita's association will bring tremendous benefits to the event, which seeks to bring awareness to breast cancer victims and former victims who have beaten the odds and have managed to survive.
The group is seeking to raise approximately $3 million from this year's event, which will go towards their outreach services.
"Anita joining is great for the event. They are a worldwide brand. They even have a line of bra for women who have had a mastectomy. This could not be any more significant," Kaloo noted.
Speaking at the event's recent press launch at the Sunset Resort and Villas, Kaloo said indications are that this year's staging will attract close to 1,000 participants to easily eclipse combined participation in the first two years.
"We are already beginning to see registration numbers that suggest this year will be our biggest yet. I think the message is starting to get out there and people are now warming to the idea," Kaloo said.
Herself a cancer survivor, Kaloo serves as vice-president of the Treasure Beach Women's Group (TBWG).
"October is celebrated as Cancer Awareness Month, so we specifically choose this month for the race, which is dedicated to these women and their families who have suffered through the various stages of this deadly disease," she stated.
Joy Haizen, the Anita international representative, spoke of her company's involvement, adding that it was for a worthy cause. Anita will provide female participants with free sports bra for the event.
Jassette Bromfield is the defending male champion, having won the title in back-to-back years. He ran a time of 22:13 minutes last year with Kirk Roach second (22:55) and Larry Devimy third in 25:24 minutes.
It is expected that Bromfield and last year's female champion, Sarah Wiese, will return to defend their titles.
The race is set to start at 7 a.m., with an after-race party at 6:30 p.m. in the evening.
Sponsors include Sunset Resort and Villa, Anita International, Jakes Treasure Beach, Rainbow Tree Villa, Music 99 FM, Power 106 FM, GraceKennedy, Treasure Tours, BOJ-TV, the Treasure Beach Women's Group, WATA, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Treasure Beach Hotel, CA Parchment and Sons and 2 Seasons Guest House.