The University of the West Indies, Mona took home five awards from the recently held GraceKennedy Education Run. The UWI, Mona team won the award for the Best Corporate Team for both the Run and Walk category topping approximately fifty corporate teams. In addition three members of the UWI, Mona contingent received individual prizes namely:  Jessica McPherrin and Cherine Richards for 2nd and 3rd place – Corporate Team Run (Female) category and Ronald Reid, 3rd place –Corporate Team Walk (Male). This was the University of the West Indies, Mona debut as a corporate team at such an event.

The University’s participation in the second staging of the GraceKennedy Education Run is a part of its wellness initiative for employees. The programme is designed to improve the health and wellness of employees, decrease the aging process and promote fitness as a lifestyle among employees.  The UWI, Mona Sports Department will coordinate this aspect of the Wellness programme dubbed, the “UWI Mona Pelican Fitness Club.” As part of the programme the University through the Sports Department will facilitate participation of employees in select Walks/ Runs throughout the year, engage the staff in fitness workshops, learning programmes and other fitness exercises.

The GraceKennedy Education Run is staged in support of the educational programmes of the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation. Proceeds from the event go towards funding tuition and related expenses for secondary and tertiary level students in Kingston’s inner city communities. In addition to supporting the community programmes, the Education Run also aims to enhance efforts to position downtown Kingston as an attractive venue for events.