THE 31st staging of the Welch’s Heart Health Fund Run is set for the Stadium East field on November 28, it was announced at a launch at the Altamont Court Hotel yesterday.

The event is not deemed a race, but rather, a sponsored walk, jog or run to raise funds to fight the dreaded heart disease.

Sponsored by Wisynco Group Limited through its brand, Welch’s, and the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the spectacle is to show the benefits of exercise to a healthy heart as only a small portion of the population exercises the required minimum 30 minutes per day.

Companies, schools, individuals, groups and families are encouraged to collect sponsorship forms at the offices of the Heart Foundation on Beechwood Avenue, in their fund-raising efforts.

“Last year, over $1 million was raised from the event. These funds were used to subsidise our islandwide mobile screening programme,” said Janene Hibbert, fund development & communications manager, of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

“This year, we would like to surpass this figure as it is increasingly costly to provide our services islandwide and we want to ensure that more Jamaicans can access our screening services,” she added.

Dr Knox Hagley, chairman of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, said it is the involvement of the children that is pleasing to him and the importance of maintaining good health.

Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), was the guest speaker and he said although the main purpose is to raise fund for the Heart Foundation, “It is about having fun and paying attention to physical activities.”

“Our young people are not encouraged to be physically active. We need to bring back the necessity of good things,” said Fennell.

Awards for individuals, schools and companies who collect the most sponsorship, or participate with the largest team, will be presented at a ceremony to be held during Heart Month in February next year.

One lucky winner of a draw will get a weekend for four. For every $500 that is collected, the name is entered into the draw.

At the launch there were performances and speeches from students of Hillel Academy, Sts Peter & Paul Prep, St Hugh’s Prep and Liguanea Prep.

Fund Run 2009: Prize Categories

1. Largest School Team: Hillel Academy

2. Most Sponsorship from a School: Hillel Academy

3. Students who contribute the most for the top 3 schools:

1st place school – Hillel Academy, Laura Ann Fung

2nd place school – Immaculate Prep, Toby Burnette

3rd place school – Alpha Primary, Alexia/Austin Murray

4. Largest Company Team: IBM World Trade Corporation

5. Most Sponsorship from a Company: Urban Development Corporation

6. Company team member to collect the most: Ida-Gaye Warburton (Spectrum management)

7. Teacher who collected the most: Genevieve Reid (Immaculate Conception Preparatory School)

8. Individual who collected the most: Kathryn Hoo (Campion College)

9. Individual who played a role in the largest school team: Flo Duncan & Jenny Pragnell (Hillel Academy)

10. Individual who organised the largest company team: Lilieth Dilworth (IBM World Trade Corporation)