Melbourne 5K gives Special Olympic treat

Special Olympics Jamaica will be the beneficiary of this year's second staging of the Melbourne CC/Purewater 5K road race.

The non-profit charity organisation, which is preparing for the 2017 Winter Olympic Games, is to replace City Life Ministries.

The announcement was made last week during a pre-launch event staged at Melbourne Cricket Club in Kingston.

"They (Special Olympics) are trying to send as many athletes as possible to the 2017 Winter Olympics, and we would like to play our part," said Mark Neita, president of Melbourne.

"They are a great charity, and have been making a difference to persons with disabilities, and as such it is a great charity to be involved with."

The event, which will this year be run under the theme, 'Runs for Cricket: Run for Special Olympics', is slated to be held on Sunday, March 6, and Neita is anticipating an increase in participation.

He pointed out that last year, close to 500 runners took part, and this year he expects that figure to more than triple.

"Last year we had about 500 persons taking part, however, this year we are looking to get close to 2,000, a big jump," Neita said.

"We have a really good momentum from last year, many more sponsors, and organisations, who have committed to sending teams."

Neita also disclosed that the event, which is officially part of the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association calendar, is endorsed by the West Indies Cricket Board, Jamaica Cricket Association, and the West Indies Players Association.