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The American Women’s Association are galloping along with plans for their 19th Cherry Tree Trot, as organisers gear up for the hugely popular biennial fundraiser.
The event, which will take place on Saturday, February 25 at the Bahrain International Circuit, sees people from all walks of life step out for charity and support local centres for the physically and mentally disabled.
The first CTT in 1981 took place in the desert as a fun day out. Now it’s held at the home of motorsport in the Middle East every two years due to the time it takes to organise, which is approximately 10 months.
The event’s name is based on a legend that George Washington, the first President of the US, cut down his father’s beloved cherry tree as a youngster and demonstrated his honesty when his father asked who was responsible for felling it.
The CTT will be held in February partly to commemorate Washington’s birthday. Laila Hussain, the AWA Community Service chairperson, said: “As always, we are very excited to host the CTT.
“This time, we will be supporting more than 30 charities that cover a wide variety of disabilities. Most of them we have been helping for many years, whilst some are new, and mostly fall under the Ministry of Social Development.
“The CTT is our biggest fundraiser. All the money goes to the community service fund for the next two years.”
Members of the AWA met up on Sunday morning in Janabiya to discuss the event’s progress.
Whilst Laila was reluctant to name a specific monetary target for the event, she admitted that the AWA would be ‘extremely happy’ with a figure of between BD40-50,000.
There are multiple races on the day, with a 2km run for the juniors aged 12 and below, then 3km, 5km and 8km for those aged 13 and above.
The highlight of the day is then the 2km race for the physically and mentally challenged, where volunteers help those in wheelchairs and the blind to complete the course.
In fact, more than 500 volunteers are expected on the day, with many from the US military base also helping with logistics.
There will also be a raft of entertainment on offer at the circuit, such as life music.
Keen runners will be able register on the day. For 17 and above, a BD7 fee will secure a T-shirt, food and drink, while this is BD5 for those 16 and under. The Walkathon is BD2 without the T-shirt or refreshment. Sponsorship money raised by entrants can be handed in alongside registration.
For more information about the American Women’s Association, visit http://awabahrain.org/
