A fundraising walk and run to benefit blind athletes returns to Brantford next week.
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Last held in May 2019, Run for Light is a non-competitive, five-kilometer run, and three-kilometer walk hosted by the W. Ross Macdonald School.
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“The idea behind it is to have a fun, unique run involving the community and students at the school,” said Faye Grygorcewicz, student support coordinator. “We raise funds that support both the Run for Light training center and blind athletes.”
Since the inaugural event in 1989, more than $100,000 has been raised and used to purchase jerseys for intramural sports teams, physical fitness and training equipment, mats, and a climbing wall in the gymnasium.
Paralympics athletes also use the school’s gym equipment, and recently held a training camp as they get ready to go to France for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
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“They come and do different workouts, and they all know the layout so it’s accessible to our former students, and our students here,” said physical education teacher Jennette Howe. “That’s a big part of what we do here for our students.”
This year’s event takes place on Wednesday, May 22 at W. Ross Macdonald School, located at 350 Brant Avenue.
Registration starts at 6:30 pm at the school’s administration entrance, while activities get underway at 7 pm followed by the run/walk commencing at 8:30 pm
Food trucks, music, entertainment, face painting, and a silent auction are featured.
For a fee of $15 participants will receive a T-shirt, glow bracelet, and a grab bag of treats.
The three-kilometer walking route will take participants on St. Paul and Dufferin Avenues, Parkside Drive and Brant Avenue.
The school’s new track will be the location for the five-kilometer run.
“This run is unique because everyone participates in the dark carrying a fluorescent glow bracelet,” explained Grygorcewicz. “The purpose is to promote physical fitness in a fun atmosphere and raise awareness of individuals with vision impairment.”
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