Southdale Integrated School, in partnership with the Negros Oriental Sports Development Program, held the first-ever AmazinGrace Boulevard Fun Run as part of the Buglasan Sports Festival 2015.
The run was organized to provide runners with disabilities and “able-bodied” volunteers to come together in a fun, inclusive environment of support and unity.
Over a hundred eager runners participated in the “walk, run, or roll” event, and not even the rains could dampen their spirits.
Dubbed as “The Fun Run for the Human Spirit,” AmazinRace was created to give the community the opportunity to interact with persons with disabilities in a positive context, seeing what they can do instead of what they cannot do. As claimed in their running jerseys, “My ability is stronger than my disability!”
AmazinGrace had two distance events, a 300 meter run and a 1km run, with participants running alongside their volunteer “buddies.” With ages ranging from three years to 44 years old, the participants included students with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and hearing impairment, with a number “rolling” in their wheelchairs.
All runners who crossed the finish line were rewarded with cheers, applause, and a finisher’s medal for a job well done.
Majority of the runners, students from the West City Exceptional Child Learning Center, were able to participate, thanks to the many kind-hearted individuals who registered in the “No Run” event, a category created for people who wanted to sponsor a runner and support a great cause.
Companies such as PhilSouth, Rusco Motors, Cang’s, Vanzon’s, and JB Marketing sponsored multiple runners. Event sponsors included Don Roberto’s, McDonald’s, DermCorner, Kri, Gabby’s Bistro, and Barangay 4.
Volunteer marshals and race officials included the Silliman University MAPE majors and Psychology majors, and Special Education majors from the Negros Oriental State University. (Ma. Monica Angela Rodriguez)
