Thousands participate in Cherry Tree Trot race

Manama : The Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) community race, one of the largest charity fundraising events in Bahrain, targeting BD25000, took place at Bahrain International Circuit yesterday with thousands participating in the event. The charity event, held every two years, is organised by the American Women’s Association (AWA). Proceeds from the CTT will be invested in AWA community served fund, which will be used to support at least 30 local charities over the next two years.

The event started with 8-km run for participants aged 15 and over and was followed by a 2-km run for physically and mentally challenged. There was a 3-km walkathon for people of all ages and abilities, followed by a 5-km race for those aged 13 and above, and a 2-km run for children aged six to 12.  The participants with mental and physical challenges were supported by student volunteers from schools and adult volunteers at the time of race. Some of the charitable institutions participated were Bahrain Mobility Institute, Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation, NBB Home for Disabled Children, Al Rashad Autistic Centre, Shaikhan Al Farsi Centre and BBK Rehabilitation Centre, RIA for Special Needs, Sneha, Al Rahma Centre, NBB Home for the Elderly, Riffa Elderly Day Care Centre, Childcare Home, Alia for Early Intervention and the Bahrain Disability Challenging Youth Society.

Roba Yousif and Alyas Ahmed, who participated for the second time said, “We consider this event as a token of love for people like us and aimed to celebrate the liveliness in us. We enjoy taking part in the event, and each time it gives us a feeling of self-respect. We believe that this event increases the morale of disabled people”.

Subhash Chandrai, who was with his friends during the event, said they were privileged being part of the event. “This is our first time. Though we have participated in many marathons earlier including Jawad, this marathon makes us feel proud. We appreciate the efforts of the American Women’s Association and its members. In fact, we strongly believe that the events will not only boost the self-confidence of the disabled, but people like us also.”

Media representative of AWA, Lubna Al-Alami, told DT News that this year they had nearly 1200 participants. “It was a mixed race, bringing together the disabled on wheelchairs and the able-bodied as well from more than 35 different charity organizations. The event went on well, and everyone enjoyed the day without any differentiation,” said Lubna . 

Several other entertainment activities and programmes such as refreshments, henna, music and face-painting were also brought in. Each participant received an official CTT tee-shirt, a race number, complimentary meals, beverages and certificate.