There’s less than two weeks to go now before runners and revellers alike gather in Belvedere House and Gardens to participate in the Ability 5k Fun Run. Already primary and secondary school students, footballers, hurlers, rugby players, and members of Mullingar Harriers are getting ready to take part in what will be a great morning to raise funds for people with disabilities in West Africa. The run takes place on Sunday September 19 at 11am.
“The Ability Fun Run is not only for runners. It’s a day for walkers and the family too. The route is through the beautiful forested grounds of Belvedere House and Gardens and so plenty of people plan to do the route at their leisure and enjoy a couple of hours with family and friends in aid of a great cause,” said Aidan Leavy of International Service Ireland (ISI ), who is organising the event.
For those who want to run or walk, they can come along and pay on the day. The cost is €25 for adults and €10 for juniors. “The cost includes a goody bag, a BBQ at the end and participants will be treated to music, face painting, and hopefully lots of sunshine. So we’re encouraging people to bring their family along and have some fun. The plan is to finish up by lunchtime so that people have plenty of time to get back home to watch the All-Ireland final,” said Aidan.
If you want to help this worthy cause why not raise some sponsorship, there is still plenty of time. All you have to do is collect a sponsorship card in Days Bazaar, Mullingar and raise at least €25 with your family and friends, or even from colleagues at work.
Similar to last year, prizes with a twist will be handed out to the winners and rest assured there will be plenty of spot prizes for the less competitive! Most prizes are high quality arts and crafts made by women with disabilities in West Africa, women who have developed their cooperative business thanks to the proceeds raised at last year’s Ability Fun Run.
This year a renowned disability rights activist from Latin America will be taking part in the Ability 5k Fun Run, Feliza Ali Ramos.
Over the past two years she has been instrumental in ensuring that people with disabilities are put higher-up on the Bolivian government’s agenda. One significant fruit of her labour was the inclusion of specific articles protecting the rights of people with disabilities in the new National Constitution which was adopted in 2009. “This is huge progress especially considering that the Constitution at the turn of the last century labeled people with disabilities as ‘useless people’. This is an achievement that we proudly contributed to,” said Feliza.
Feliza has been an inspiration to thousands of her countrymen and women. So why not join her in Belvedere on the Sunday September 19, have some fun and help a good cause at the same time.
Registration costs €25, which includes an after-run BBQ, and registration for underage runners is €10. Sponsorship cards are available in Days Bazaar newsagents and Brian’s Treasure Chest in Mullingar. The run will start at 11am in Belvedere. Registration is from 10am. If you want to know more call Aidan on (086 )1732347 or log on to www.is-ireland.ie
