Wed | Nov 27, 2024

Ambassador excited over sophomore EU-Jamaica 5k and 10k

Published:Thursday | February 1, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen (second left) is joined by Minister of Education and Youth (second right), Fayval Williams; State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn (third left); Olympian Megan Tapper – who has been na
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Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen (second left) is joined by Minister of Education and Youth (second right), Fayval Williams; State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn (third left); Olympian Megan Tapper – who has been named the race’s patron (second right); Running Events Jamaica directors Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis (right) and Diane Ellis at the launch of the EU-JA 5k and 10K Run/Walk at the EU Delegation office in Kingston yesterday.

EUROPEAN UNION Ambassador to Jamaica Marianne Van Steen is excited about the second staging of the European Union-Jamaica 5k and 10k run/walk.

Van Steen is anticipating that the event, scheduled for downtown Kingston on March 10, will, at the very least, mimic the success of its inaugural staging.

“I’m even more excited for this one compared to last year. Last year, we didn’t know what we were starting, and it was an overwhelming success, so I believe we’re going to aim higher this year,” said Van Steen.

Van Steen explained that it was of paramount importance for the European Union and Jamaica to continue their strong partnership.

“I think we have a very strong partnership. I’ve been here for two years, and I believe it’s growing each time. So we’re trying to reach out to all the citizens, and along with the government, try to reach out to the private sector and get in more investments from Europe. These kinds of sporting events allow us to strengthen our partnership from all angles,” Van Steen explained.

THEME

This year’s staging will be held under the theme ‘All Together against Crime and Violence’.

It was also announced that proceeds from this year’s 5k and 10k run/walk would be used to fund a literacy camp for two primary schools. According to Fayval Williams, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, the initiative is welcomed.

“It is extremely important as in the summer, if you don’t engage the students, there is some amount of learning loss. When you provide a learning experience for them it is extremely useful, and this is something that we are promoting in the educational sector. We have seen where students who start a literacy programme and become able to read have changes in their behaviour,” Williams shared.

Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, race director, said last year’s staging was an eye-opener for him, and he is anticipating that the participants that came out will encourage more persons to turn out.

“Last year, I wondered how impactful this would have been, and at the end of it, I was totally moved by what took place. A lot of people probably have negative phobias about downtown, and when they came, they heard the entire process about the rejuvenation and beautification, and they had an awesome time. So I’m expecting that more will come for this year’s staging,” said Francis.

Francis added that participants in the upcoming event would be helping to shape the country’s future.

“When you lace up for this run and make your steps, you’ll be helping to build a better Jamaica and help to impact our youths in an exemplary manner,” said Francis.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com