Deputy Governor Franz Manderson launched the Off the Couch fitness programme yesterday evening (Monday, 6 March) ahead of his annual DG’s 5K Challenge.

The weekly walk/run, which is free of cost, aims to get people in shape for the 5K Challenge to raise money for the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. Off the Couch to 5K is open to civil servants, private sector employees and members of the public.

Among the walkers and runners, Mr. Manderson was yesterday joined by members of the YMCA, who are planning to build a ropes challenge course to benefit the young people of the Cayman Islands.

“This is a fantastic cause and I encourage everyone to come out and get fit for the 5K Challenge in April,” said Mr. Manderson. “For this year’s fund-raising event I have chosen to focus on our youth and the YMCA is a fine example of an organisation working with the young people in our communities.”

Off the Couch, which is organised by the Cayman Islands Government Wellness Committee, will be held every Monday in the run-up to the DG’s 5K Challenge and is open to civil servants, private sector employees and members of the public.

Participants meet at the staff entrance to the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue at 5.30 p.m.

The YMCA ropes challenge course will provide an alternative to classroom-style learning in areas proven to increase self-esteem, confidence and team-building skills.

This facility will provide participants with practical examples of ways to improve communication, awareness of themselves and others, and to gain leadership skills. In addition, the course will allow participants to overcome fears, insecurities, depression, and anti-social behaviour.

“We are very happy to have our participants and supporters join the Off the Couch programme,” said YMCA Chairman, Andrew Johnson. “It will help us all get fit as we join together in our fund-raising efforts to build the challenge course for the young people of the Cayman Islands.”

Registration for the DG’s 5K Challenge is this year taking place on the CaymanActive website caymanactive.com/dg5k with opening dates soon to be announced.

The event will be held on Cayman Brac on Sunday, 23 April and Grand Cayman on Sunday, 30 April.