Conquer Camana Bay’s  Observation Tower with Special  Olympics Cayman Islands

Camana Bay, Grand Cayman: Climb for a cause and join Camana Bay at the base of the Town Centre’s Observation Tower on Saturday 13 April for the 4th Annual Observation Tower Run. Held in partnership with Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI), in addition to raising heart rates, the early morning three mile fun run/walk and climb raises funds for the local non-profit sports training programme.

Taking inspiration from the many Tower Runs around the world, which attract some of the world’s most elite athletes, including the Empire State Building Run Up in New York and CN Tower Climb in Toronto, Camana Bay’s beginner-friendly interpretation gives both Cayman’s best and novice athletes a unique opportunity to ‘climb’ one of the Islands’ tallest landmarks.

Starting on Market Street next to The Observation Tower, join Anytime Fitness at 6:30am for a pre-race warm-up then race against the clock or go at your own pace around the three mile Town Centre loop. Then take the vertical challenge up and down 5-storeys, 30-feet or 231 steps to the top of The Observation Tower for a birds-eye-view of Grand Cayman. After rising to the challenge, recover and re-hydrate with post-race refreshments and a prize giving on The Crescent for a fun, healthy start to a Saturday morning.

Special Olympics Cayman Islands, commonly known as SOCI, is a non-profit programme that caters to local athletes, ranging from 8 to 90 years-old, with intellectual difficulties. Based on the premise that sports training and competition helps athletes lead fuller, more self-sufficient lives, SOCI helps its members achieve success on and off the field of competition. SOCI is a member of the North American region of Special Olympics International, the largest sporting organisation for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and SOCI athletes have taken part in national, regional and international competitions, including the Flowers One Mile Sea Swim, the CARIFTA Games, the Caribbean Regional Games and Special Olympic World Summer Games.

Today, more than 70 SOCI athletes enjoy year-round training and competition in Athletics, Aquatics, Bocce, Football, Basketball and MATP (Motor Adaptive Training Programme). The volunteer-led organisations major source of funding comes through donations and fundraising activities, like the Observation Tower Run.

Speaking about last year’s race, Jeffrey Wight, Sports & Recreation Manager at Camana Bay, said “The Observation Tower Run is about getting out and having fun while supporting a worthy cause. From kids to Special Olympics athletes to Cayman’s best runners, the Tower Run is enjoyed by participants of all ages and abilities. Camana Bay is honoured to support Special Olympics Cayman Islands once again this year and we hope to see a great turn out from the community at this fun, family-friendly event.”

So step up to the challenge and walk, jog or run with friends, family and fellow athletes and earn bragging rights while supporting a great organisation. The race starts at 7am and entry is CI$25 for adults and CI$15 for 15 years and under and includes a participant t-shirt, official race timing and post-race refreshments. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Cayman Islands.

Pre-registration can be made online at  caymanactive.com or by contacting  [email protected]. For more information, call 345.640.4000 or email  [email protected].

Photo Captions:

(i)        Runners  and walkers will set off from Market Street for a 3-mile loop around Camana Bay’s Town Centre, finishing with a sprint finish up and down the Observation Tower.

(ii)       All proceeds from Saturday’s Tower Run will benefit Special Olympics Cayman Islands.