Off the Beaten Track supports local charities
(L-R) Monique Bush (Island Heritage), Patrice Beersingh (CNCF), Phillip Pierson (KRyS Global) and Derek Larner (race organiser)
(CNS Local Life): The organisers of the ninth annual Off the Beaten Track 50km ultramarathon and relay have presented two local charities $5,000 each, raised by this year’s race participants and sponsors. The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), nominated by Island Heritage, and Academy Sports Club, nominated by Tower, were chosen to receive the proceeds from the race.
“The aim of Off the Beaten Track is to not only provide Cayman’s runners with an opportunity to put their training to the test but to also support some of the amazing local charities that do so much for the community,” said Kenneth Krys, race founder and executive chairman of lead sponsor KRyS Global, in a press release.
This year, all major sponsors chose one local charity which aligns with their community values to promote at their designated leg’s water station.
Krys said of this year’s two awarded charities: “Both of these not-for-profits continue to do an amazing job at inspiring and developing the next generation of Caymanian talent. We are so excited to be able to support both the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and Academy Sports Club and everything that they are doing for the community.”
Both local charities expressed their gratitude for the donation. “CNCF is honoured to have been nominated by Island Heritage as one of the beneficiaries,” said Patrice Beersingh, CNCF programmes manager. “The awarded funds will help support our continued efforts towards the production of high quality arts programmes, and the preservation of our local heritage and culture.”
In thanking OTBT for the donation, ASC director Virgil Seymour said, “all of our players are deeply grateful to both the race organisers and Tower. This donation helps fund the training and development of our players both on and off the field.”
Every year, the race also donates funds to international charity, Facing Africa. Krys said the organisers were “humbled” to support that charity, adding, “The donation will go towards helping children in Nigeria and Ethiopia affected by NOMA, a potential deadly infection that affects the face.”
