Digicel partners with Special Olympics for 5k walk, wheel and run race

Telecommunications giants, Digicel have continued their support for persons with disabilities by partnering with the Special Olympics Association to host a 5k walk, wheel and run race on the inner circuit of the National Park on December 4.

The event which is the first of its kind is expected to cater for 60 persons was launched on Thursday at Digicel’s headquarters in Kingston and Special Olympic Association member Wilton Spencer stated that it will be used as stepping stone to further develop Paralympics in Guyana and that they are extremely appreciative of the support the company has given them.

Spencer added that “over the years it was observed that most of the athletes compete in 100m to 400m but then there is a step decline in the 800m upwards events and we want to encourage athletes to participate in the longer events”.

Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Louiana Abrams stated that this kind gesture comes from the entity’s commitment to support development and their soft spot for special needs”.

Abrams went unto outline several of the projects involving differently-able persons in Guyana which they have lend support to and that they will certainly continue to be a sponsor of the event.

Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith explained that it is a mandate of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to encourage the participation of women and the disabled persons involved in sports and that it is not only government who can be supportive of sports but private and corporate sponsors can play a role as well and in that regard thanked Digicel for their continued involvement.

The event coincides with World Disability day which be held on December 3 will see Guyana having one week to commiserate the occasion, with this activity being one.

Athletes are expected from Regions two, four, five, six and ten and will compete in categories such as amputees with crotches, blind (B1 and B2), wheel chair users and persons with intellectual disabilities. All of the categories with the exception of amputees with crotches will be for males and females

First place winners in each category will receive $10,000 and a trophy while second to third will be rewarded a trophy and eight to five thousand dollars respectively. Race time is 14:00 hrs and persons interested are asked to arrive at the Park’s Albert Street entrance by 13:15 hrs.