Combining fitness, community participation and fundraising for a worthy cause.
The Lions Club of Sangre Grande took its service work to the streets on Republic Day, as runners and walkers gathered at the Keshorn Walcott Sporting Facility for the club’s first 5K.
For Chair of the Lions Club of Sangre Grande, Mr Peter McKenzie, this inaugural road race goes beyond exercise.
“We have 800 people. We are catering for that, and we have more coming. Other than that, the 5k today is on behalf of children with cancer. The proceeds will support the children who have cancer.”
Mr Mackenzie said the initiative came from newer members of the club, who took on the challenge of organising the event.
The turnout, he said, demonstrated the level of public interest, while the fundraising objective gave the event a wider purpose.
He said for the Lions, supporting people in need is part of a broader programme of community service, with cancer support among the causes highlighted by the club.
“In the sense of serving the community, it is how you come to us. So, somebody in need would come to us, we would investigate, and we would reach out. We don’t turn away.”
As the race came to an end and medals were handed out, not every participant walked away with a first-place finish. But in the eyes of the children affected by cancer who stand to benefit, all 800 participants are champions.