The CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K, the annual major fundraising event for The University of the West Indies Scholarship Fund, will again see corporate Jamaica throwing its weight behind the University’s efforts to assist students wishing to achieve a tertiary education.  The event, now 6 years strong, attracts thousands of corporate and individual running and walking enthusiasts, and is scheduled to take place in and around the grounds of the University on Sunday, November 12, starting at 7:00 a.m.
 
The event, known for including the disabled community as well as primary school students in Kingston and St. Andrew will see wheelchair participants showing their athletic prowess alongside the able bodied participants, while students, 4-11 years old will enter the popular Smart Eggs Kids K (the only road race dedicated solely to children).
 
Also giving their show of support for education will be other corporate sponsors such as: National Baking Company, Port Authority, Proven Investments, Lasco Jamaica, Visual Vibe Ltd., iPrint Digital, Mayberry Investments, Rainforest Seafood, European Union, CVM, Island Grill, Jamaica Producers, SunBloc Awning and Tents, Power106, The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, The Gleaner Company, Dunlop Corbin, It’s Pixel Perfect, Newstalk 93FM, Sun City Radio, Running Events and RJR Gleaner Communications Group Limited.
 
Mr. Matthew Lyn, Chief Operating Officer of the CB Group had this to say:  “For our country to change, we need to improve education on a whole and so we’re very happy to continue to play our part in improving access to further education for these students. We are even more encouraged by the reports of success that the scholarship recipients have had and continue to have academically and beyond.”
Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Mona Campus, Archibald McDonald said: “The CB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K provides the opportunity of a lifetime to academically outstanding students who simply cannot afford the tuition.  This event not only changes the fortune of the scholarship recipient but generations to come in their families.  Also, it shows others in their community that they can have the “audacity of hope”.
 
The event will once again be under the distinguished patronage of two outstanding philanthropists – Dr.  the Honourable Douglas Orange, OD, Retired Business Leader, and Author; and Mrs. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, PR Counsel, Fundraiser, and Co-Patron of the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala, as well as Chairperson for Food for the Poor, Canada. 
 
Sports Award
Asafa Powell, CD, Jamaican sprinter and Olympian who has officially been named in the Guinness Book of World Records as the current world record holder for most competitive 100m sprinter races completed sub 10 seconds, will be honoured at the event on November 12.  The 2016 Award was presented to Hon. Molly Rhone, OJ, CD, for her service in the field of netball.  Past honorees include 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 Alfred “Frano” Francis, Managing Director, Running Events Limited.
The fundraiser which attracted over 4,500 participants last year will again be under the professional direction of Mr. Alfred “Frano” Francis and his team from Running Events Limited.  The event to date has raised JA$70,000,000.
 
THE ROUTE
Participants who wish to have a first-hand view of the route can visit the website at  www.uwi5K.com.jm .
 
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open at www.runningevents.ja.com or at the Sports Department at The University of the West Indies. Entry fee is $1,200 for adults and $600 for students. Groups of 30 will receive a discounted fee of $1,000 and $500 respectively.