DG leads annual fitness drive
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson (front, right) sets off with walkers and runners for the first session of Off the Couch
(CNS Local Life): Deputy Governor Franz Manderson launched the Off the Couch fitness programme Monday, 6 March, ahead of his annual DG’s 5K Challenge. The weekly walk/run, which is free, aims to get people in shape for the 5K Challenge to raise money for the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. Off the Couch to 5K is open to civil servants, private sector employees and members of the public.
Manderson was joined at the launch by members of the YMCA, who are planning to build a ropes challenge course to benefit the young people of the Cayman Islands.
“This is a fantastic cause and I encourage everyone to come out and get fit for the 5K Challenge in April,” said Manderson. “For this year’s fundraising event I have chosen to focus on our youth and the YMCA is a fine example of an organisation working with the young people in our communities.”
Off the Couch, which is organised by the Cayman Islands Government Wellness Committee, will be held every Monday in the run-up to the DG’s 5K Challenge.
Participants will meet at the staff entrance to the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue at 5:30pm.
The YMCA ropes challenge course 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.
“We are very happy to have our participants and supporters join the Off the Couch programme,” said YMCA chairman Andrew Johnson. “It will help us all get fit as we join together in our fundraising efforts to build the challenge course for the young people of the Cayman Islands.”
The DG’s 5K Challenge will be held on Cayman Brac on Sunday, 23 April and Grand Cayman on Sunday, 30 April. Registration will be through the CaymanActive website with opening dates to be announced.
Category: Civil Service, Running, Service Organisations
