Despite the ongoing worldwide pandemic, the CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K will go virtual once again this year from October 24 to November 25, allowing persons from around the globe to participate in a most worthwhile cause - raising much needed funds for academically outstanding students in dire financial need at The University of the West Indies.
While the event under the theme “Running for Dreams” will not be held on the UWI campus this year, by virtue of it being virtual, a greater opportunity is being created to allow people to participate throughout the region and globally.
According to Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, UWI Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and convener of the event, “ The CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K now in its 10 th year has provided 300 scholarships to students who would not have been able to attend UWI had it not been for this event. Most of the students are the first in their families some the first in their communities to attend an institution of higher education. This event has had a tremendous impact on not only their lives but generations to come.
The event will be held once again under the distinguished patronage of three outstanding philanthropists –Dr. Thalia Lyn, OD, business leader and Honorary Consul of Thailand to Jamaica; Dr. the Honourable Douglas Orange, OD, retired business leader, author and philanthropist, and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, journalist, communications leader, philanthropist, volunteer and mentor.
During her address to the launch from her home-base in Canada, Dr. Chin-Loy Chang congratulated the scholarship awardees and applauded them for staying the course through the difficult times over the past 18 months and urged them to live up to the expectations of those who have their interest at heart. “ Dream big dreams and surround yourself with like-minded people you can trust and never compromise your principles. Strive to become top in your field, receive everything with grace, be kind, be vigilant and decipher your intake of social media and news and understand what’s fact and what’s fiction, take care of our planet…and never forget to send the elevator back down, to give a hand up with a glad heart and an open mind,” were some of the advise she left with the awardees. She closed with an excerpt from her late husband, Dr. the Hon. G. Raymond Chang speech during a convocation at Ryerson University which stated: “At the end of the day, a good life is not measured by the amount of wealth you have accumulated. It is evaluated according to the contributions you have made to society – of yourself first and of your resources next. I encourage you, throughout your personal and professional lives, to keep asking “What can I give to society, to make even one person’s life better?”
SPORTS AWARD
A key feature of the event is honouring individuals who have made outstanding contribution to sports. Taking home this year’s award will be Reigning Olympic Gold Medalist 110 Metres Hurdler, Hansle Parchment who was honoured at the launch of the 10 th Annual CB Group UWI 5K AND SMART Eggs Kids K for his outstanding achievements in Track and Field. Mr. Parchment thanked the University for the honour and pledged his support for the event.
Past honourees include: Coach and broadcaster, Neville ‘Burtis Bell, OD; Mr. Asafa Powell, CD, Jamaican sprinter and Olympian; Hon. Molly Rhone, OJ, CD, for her service in the field of netball; Dr. the Honourable Michael Fennell, OJ, former President of the Jamaica Olympic Association; Dr. the Honourable Glen Mills,OJ, Head Coach, Racers Track Club; and Mr. Alfred “Frano” Francis, Managing Director, Running Events Limited.
The full launch may be viewed at https://youtu.be/npeXFfEbA5M.
