Commonwealth 400m hurdle champion and Diamond League Champion Kaliese Spencer and her MVP Track teammate and Continental Cup gold medallist Christine Day have endorsed the Child Development Agency’s (CDA) Fit for Children 5k Run/Walk and Push Kart Derby, set for Sunday October 19.

The Fit for Children 5k run/walk and push kart derby is being staged in an effort to raise funds to construct Jamaica’s first residential therapeutic centre for children suffering from emotional trauma due to abuse.

Speaking at a recent ceremony held on October 9, on the grounds of Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home on Trafalgar Road in Kingston, Kaliese Spencer threw her support behind the run/walk and push kart derby, calling it “remarkable”, based on the fact that it is geared towards raising funds for building such an important centre to assist children in State care.

“I am very happy to be endorsing this event that the CDA is staging, considering that it is in aid of children. I love kids, so whatever I can do to assist in improving their lives, I am very enthused,” she said.

Meanwhile, 4×400 Continental Cup gold medallist, Christine Day in endorsing the project, encouraged everyone to sign up, noting that the run/walk is a worthy cause.

She pledged her support for the run/walk and for other agency projects if needed, noting: “Children are our future, so anything that has to do with kids, I am very eager and elated to be involved, and will give support in whatever way I can.”

Chairman of the CDA’s 10th Anniversary Committee, Michelle McIntosh said that the Agency is pleased to have the athletes on board to endorse the run-walk and push kart derby, which is a part of activities to mark its 10th anniversary, being held under the theme “Protecting Children, Transforming Lives, Securing Children”.

“We are very happy to have them endorsing the event, because it is a clear indication that persons such as these track stars believe in the vision of building the Therapeutic Centre for children in State care, who have been traumatised by abuse.

“We hope that the athletes will continue to work with us on this and other projects in support of the fight against child abuse,” she said, encouraging the wider society to show support by participating in the 5k run/walk, for the benefit of Jamaica’s children in need of care and protection.

For additional details on how to sign up, persons are encouraged to visit www.ondirun.com, e-mail cda5k2014@gmail.com or call 874-2705/849-1080.