McMath Secondary School’s Intreract club is pleased to be hosting the second annual “Move for Polio” 5km Walk/Run on Sunday at Garry Point Park in Steveston.
The non-profit community event is a fundraiser for Rotary International’s ‘End Polio Now’ campaign. It’s been four months of organizing by a team of hard-working and passionate McMath students — led by co-chairs Danielle Cosco and Hannah Ng, with the support of teacher-sponsor Stephanie Laub.
“By promoting within our school, other elementary and high schools, community centers, interact clubs, Rotaract clubs and Rotary clubs within the Lower Mainland, we are expecting a good turnout this coming Sunday,” said Cosco. “We are extremely excited about the upcoming 5km Walk/Run and we’d like to invite the community of Richmond to join us as we ‘move for those who can’t!’”
Many people are unaware that polio is still relevant in the world today. The Poliovirus was last seen in North America in 1979, but for many children in other parts of the world, it is still a very real threat.
There are three countries in the world where the polio virus is still being transmitted — Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria.
Polio is an extremely contagious, life-threatening disease that can lead to paralysis. As it can be transmitted so easily, as long as a single child remains infected with the poliovirus, children all over the world are at risk of contracting the disease. Failure to eradicate polio could result in as many 200,000 new cases, within 10 years, all over the world.
Sunday’s fun-filled event will take participants through scenic Garry Point Park and along the Steveston Dyke. There will be more learn more about the cause through information booths and an eye-opening guest speaker.
Post-race festivities include pizza, treats and more. There will also be a raffle draw, guest performances and other speakers including Accessible Travel Specialist, Travel For All, Inc Tabbasum Chagani, as well as District 5040’s Polio Plus Chair, Brian Finley.
‘Move for Polio’ t-shirts will be available for purchase.
Visit the event’s website: moveforpolio.org for more information and how to register. Registration is also available on the day of the event starting at 9 a.m. The run/walk gets underway ay 10 a.m.
Be sure to also checkout at Move for Polio 5km Walk/Run on Facebook and on Instagram @moveforpolio.
