The chosen charity for the 2017 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge is the YMCA of the Cayman Islands it was announced today (Thursday, 9 February 2017).

Led by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, the annual walk/run this year aims to raise $60,000 for the youth-oriented organisation.

The money will go towards building a “ropes challenge course” in Grand Cayman which 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.

“The YMCA is doing a tremendous job working with the young people in our community and I am very happy to support them in their efforts,” said Mr. Manderson. “It is essential that we invest in our youth and encourage them in every way we can. The ropes challenge course that YMCA plans to build will be a great asset in helping channel the growth and development of our young men and women, and will also benefit the wider community.”

Established in 2012, the YMCA of the Cayman Islands is a charitable, cause-driven, non-profit organisation that strengthens the community through a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

A specific site for the ropes challenge course is still under consideration but the YMCA hopes to begin construction later this year once the funding is complete and the location has been determined.

In addition to young people benefitting from the course, the facility will be available to other community groups and corporate teams.

“We are thrilled to be the chosen charity for the 2017 DG’s 5K Challenge,” said Andrew Johnson, chairman of the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. “The ropes challenge course that we plan to build will have a significant impact on the work we undertake with young people, their families and the wider community. We are extremely grateful to the Deputy Governor.”

Now in its fourth year, the DG’s 5K Challenge brings together civil servants, private sector employees and members of the public in a fitness and fundraising challenge. It is part of Mr. Manderson’s vision to have a healthier, more active and more socially engaged civil service, while benefitting charitable organisations and initiatives in the Cayman Islands.

Last year the event raised $60,000 to help Cayman Heart Fund buy an ambulance for the people of the Cayman Islands. The previous year, $50,000 was raised for Special Olympics Cayman Islands to help athletes attend the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2016. In 2014, .the inaugural DG’s 5K Challenge raised $12,500 for Cayman HospiceCare towards its new building which is currently being built on West Bay Road.

The cash raised by the DG’s 5K Challenge is a combination of corporate sponsorship pledges and the registration fees of event participants.

The 2017 DG’s 5K Challenge begins at 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, 23 April at Cayman Brac Museum, Stake Bay on Cayman Brac, and at 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, 30 April at the Government Administration Building, Elgin Avenue, on Grand Cayman. The event, in which participants can either walk or run, is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Registration dates and details will be announced nearer the time.

Companies interested in sponsoring the DG’s 5K Challenge, or anyone interested in making a donation, can contact Fundraising Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Barnard at [email protected]

Photo captions: (Photos by Catherine MacGillivray, GIS)

18 L-r: Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, YMCA Executive Director Gregory Smith and YMCA Deputy Chairman David Watler unveil the 2017 DG’s 5K Challenge logo.

27 L-r: Launch of the 2017 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge.

34 L-r: DG’s 5K Challenge Co-Chair Jennifer Ahearn, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, YMCA Deputy Chairman David Watler and YMCA Executive Director Gregory Smith with the 2017 logo.