Thursday, November 06, 2008 Advocacy race for persons with disabilities slated
A CHANCE to show that people with disabilities (PWD) can do more than what most people give them credit for, is the main thrust of the Move 5K Run 2 marathon, which takes place on Nov. 30 at the Parkmall.
“In behalf of our community, we are very grateful that our sector is given attention because this is a great way for us to go out and show the world what we can do,” said Arnold Balais, an amputee, who brought several honors to the country as a member of the RP team that represented the country in several competitions abroad.
Balais said the run, which has a wheelchair division, will encourage the other differently-abled persons to come out of their shells.
“Ang uban maulaw magpakita tungod sa kapansanan. This is a great opportunity for them,” Balais added.
Renald Ramiro, the brains behind the undertaking wants to disseminate this advocacy for the PWDs.
“I want to emphasize this sector as PWDs and not disabled. That is why we are holding this race a week before the International Day for the differently-abled.
Ramiro is a physiatrist, who focuses on rehabilitation. He, however decided to take it a notch higher and focus on the other medical needs of the indigent PWDs.
While other races dangle cash prizes to egg on people to join, this one encourages people to race not just for the cash prizes but also for the opportunity to help others.
The first edition of the race, held a year ago was considered a success as the group managed to raise P120,000, which helped in the hospitalization and out-patient needs of several individuals.
Last year, they were able to help three people in Cebu with the money that they raised.
The group also recently introduced the race in Bacolod City and will be staging it in Manila this February.
This year’s race is dubbed the Heroes Run for PWDs for being held on the Andres Bonifacio Day.
“It carries the theme KKK—Kapansanan Kayang-Kaya,” Ramiro added.
Registration fee is pegged at P200 each inclusive of singlets. Interested runners may register at the Philippine Sports
Commission office at the Cebu City Sports Center, Cebu Doctors University Department of Rehab Medicine and Cebu Doctors’ University College of Rehab Sciences. (MCB)
