Lewis

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has placed his weight behind the inaugural Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB), Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI) Come Run 10K which takes place at Tryall Club in Hanover tomorrow.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame fighter will start the mega fund-raising race geared specifically at pumping money into the CUMI Trust Fund which aims to ensure longevity and sustainability for the organisation and its mentally challenged clients.

"It's heartening that Lewis has found time out of his busy schedule to support charity endeavours such as ours," said CUMI's nurse administrator Joy Crooks.

According to nurse Crooks, in this time of economic crisis, CUMI's main focus is on sustainability and the need to keep the services readily available.

$10 million needed

"CUMI has a trust fund investment that needs at least $10 million to generate a monthly income to sustain its general operations and secure the delivery of rehabilitation services for our clients and to continue the contribution to community service while benefiting those who have fallen through the safety net."

She added that the funds that CUMI needs are to secure the goals of the rehabilitation programme to maintain mental wellness, life coping skills and empower the clients (mentally challenged) in readiness to return to the community, equipped with knowledge, understanding of mental-health issues and management skills.

Since 1991, CUMI has served over 1,500 clients, 750 of these have returned to the community as productive individuals in various capacities.

Expert commentator

Lewis, who can be seen regularly on HBO Sports' 'Boxing After Dark' providing expert commentary for major boxing events, will start the over 100 participants that are already signed on. The race commences at 7 a.m. on the 18-hole championship, 72-par Tryall golf course.

"The rolling topography, sloping greens and tropical vegetation will distract you, so you won't even feel the burn. There is a 5K and a 10K course. The option whether to run or walk is entirely yours. Walkers are encouraged to do the 5K," said race chairperson, Nancy Pinchas. Monitors and aid stations with water and sports drink will be placed along the course and medical personnel at the starting point.

Pinchas stated that there would be no registration on the morning of the race, as all business must be concluded by this evening at the pre-race rant-and-rave party at the Montego Bay Yacht Club.

Each runner stands to win prizes including weekends at Sandals Resorts International, the elegant Round Hill, The Ritz-Carlton Rose and the boutique Coyaba Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, as well as a host of other prizes.