ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, August 23 2023— On Wednesday October 11 to Saturday, October 14, the streets of Antigua will come alive as the Sandals Foundation hosts its first ever all-island charity run to bolster paediatric healthcare services provided at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center as well as to

the Sickkids Caribbean Initiative.

The event, which aims to raise £100,000 boasts three distinct levels of participation invites persons to take part in – a 4-day Ultra Marathon 100KM Run; a 21Km Half Marathon Run on Saturday, October 14; or a10Km walk also on Saturday, October 14.

Speaking at the media launch on Wednesday, August 23, Matthew Cornall, General Manager at

Sandals Grande Antigua said the event is aimed at bolstering the island’s capacity to provide medical attention to premature babies and children afflicted by cancer and serious blood disorders.

“We understand how a lack of access to the right medical equipment and resources can significantly affect a country’s ability to provide the proper medical attention to families and especially, children. Proceeds from our upcoming Island Run Antigua will be used to purchase two much-needed identified medical equipment [for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre] – a jaundice screening machine and a handheld blood analyzer that delivers lab-quality, diagnostic results in minutes. Funds raised from the run will [also] be donated to SickKids Caribbean Initiative

endowment fund, ensuring continued sustainability of the initiative, benefitting many for years to come.”

Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Head of the Paediatric Department expressed gratitude for what the

support will mean for countless families. “We are happy to embrace the assistance of organizations such as the Sandals Foundation and others, who recognize the importance of the early years and the impact that donations have on future generations. The chance of a healthy life to a child is the greatest gift you can give a family.”

The initiative was also endorsed by Minister of Health, Welless, Social Transformation and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph

To register for any of the events, persons may:

 Download the TickeTing App from Google Play Story or Apple and search, Island Run

Antigua

 Visit any of our three physical locations – H & G Paint & Marine Supplies at the corner of

Fort Road and Dickenson Bay; Cool & Smooth at Lower Market Street; and Athlete’s Foot at

Heritage Quay

For persons interested to support but are unable to participate they may donate to the cause by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandrun

Island Run Antigua was conceptualized by members of Sandals Resorts International’s Unique Vacations Inc. UK team and has garnered international partnership through British Airways, Mail Metro Media, Runners World and Good Housekeeping Magazine, Northstar Meetings Group, Corpay,

Hays Travel, 7Stars, EMC3, Upsamdown and UYN.

Local partners so far include TickeTing App, Digicel Group, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism

Authority, and Anjo Wholesale.

–END