6 February 2025   |   By: CIG Communications    

The 2024 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge has set a new benchmark in community engagement and philanthropy, raising a remarkable $90,000 for its three beneficiaries: Boyz2Men, the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), and the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

Marking the event’s 10th anniversary, the DG’s 5K challenge attracted more than 2,100 participants while celebrating a decade of promoting fitness and giving back to the community under the unifying theme of “Supporting our future generations”.

Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support the fundraising event received. In his statement, Mr. Manderson said, “As a result of the unwavering support from the business community, the civil service, the statutory authorities, government companies, and the wider community our three charities will each receive $30,000 to further their efforts within our community.”

The funds will be used by Boyz2Men to support their academic assistance and mentoring program, the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund to implement a Mental Health First Aid training program for community workers, and the NCVO to support their preschool program, foster care services, and continued family assistance.

The charity road race commenced on April 14 in Cayman Brac with 197 participants, followed by the Little Cayman leg on 21 April, with 56 participants before concluding in Grand Cayman on 28 April with 1915 participants. 

Expressing her gratitude for the success of the 2024 installation, Jennifer Ahearn, Co-chairperson of the DG’s 5K Challenge, said, “The event is not just about raising funds to support these amazing charities—it’s also about creating the opportunity for everyone to come together, public and private sector, of all ages and from all walks of life, to enjoy some fellowship, fresh air, and get some exercise while having a lot of fun.”

Among the major sponsors that played a crucial role in this year’s challenge were the Platinum Sponsor, Appleby Law firm, and Gold Level Sponsors including EY, Butterfield, Davenport Development, The Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Cooperative Credit Union, and Dart. The backing from these organisations demonstrates a collective dedication towards fostering community spirit through philanthropy.

Since the event’s inception in 2014, the DG’s 5K Challenge has raised more than half a million dollars – specifically, $649,000 – benefiting a total of 22 local charities. The initiative not only enhances health and fitness awareness but also signals the Deputy Governor’s steadfast commitment to encouraging philanthropy across the Cayman Islands.

The funds raised during the various editions of the Challenge have significantly impacted local charitable organizations. Past beneficiaries have included:

2014: $12,500 for Cayman Hospice Care (now known as Jasmine)

2015: $50,000 for Special Olympics Cayman Islands

2016: $60,000 for the Cayman Heart Fund for a state-of-the-art ambulance for Health Services Authority

2017: $85,000 for YMCA Cayman Islands’ ropes challenge course

2018: $89,000 for multiple organizations including Feed Our Future and Kiwanis Club Breakfast Programme

2019: $82,000 for CI Crisis Centre and Alex Panton Foundation

2022: $98,000 for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and The MS Foundation of the Cayman Islands

2023: $82,500 for the Cayman Islands Red Cross and United Against Bullying Foundation

2024: $90,000 split among Boyz2Men, the NCVO, and the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund

The official dates for this year’s DG’s 5K Challenge are:

·         Sunday, March 9 – Little Cayman

·         Sunday, March 16 – Cayman Brac 

·         Sunday, March 30 – Grand Cayman

Looking towards the 2025 DG’s 5K challenge, which will be raising funds for The Girls’ Brigade, the Cayman Islands Scouts, and One 2 One, Mr Manderson said “I’m excited about the upcoming event when the community can once again come together and raise funds for three worthy causes while achieving our individual fitness goals.”