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PEOPLE from all walks of life gathered together at the Bahrain International Circuit to support and participate in the biennial American Women’s Association Cherry Tree Trot (CTT).
While everyone was welcome to join the racing and activities on offer, the renowned charity event was especially supportive of those who had disabilities and special needs.
The first CTT in 1981 took place in the desert as a fun day out. Now it’s staged at the home of Formula One in the Middle East and currently held every two years due to the time it takes to organise, which is approximately 10 months.
Its Cherry Tree Trot name is based on the legend that George Washington, the first President of the United States, 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. Originally, the CTT was held in February to commemorate George Washington’s birthday, but it has changed over the years to coordinate scheduling with the venues staging it.
President of the American Women’s Association, Lisa Wahba, 48, said: “It’s been a great learning opportunity for me to understand the whole process and contribute in a bigger way and oversee the event.
“It has been incredibly rewarding and I’m touched by the outpouring we have received from our volunteers in particular, both from the AWA as well as their families and friends, the US base, the embassy and so many people in the community who have come together for this event.”
Lisa also voiced her appreciation for the various sponsors and centres involved in making sure CTT remains one of the kingdom’s most prized charitable endeavours. “One of the neat things about the Cherry Tree Trot that a lot of people don’t realise is that we really try to involve all of the centres that we support on an annual basis in the day and ensure that they are a part of the whole process.
“The volunteers go out to the centres and gather all the artwork that children have created to promote the event and we have awarded prizes to those used for the posters, flyers and shirts.
“Coming from a social work background, I find the day very uplifting. I think it’s unique anywhere in the world, not just in Bahrain. It’s so representative of what makes Bahrain such a neat place to live and I feel lucky to call it my home and I know many other expats do as well. I think it’s evident by the energy you feel.”
As one of the oldest charity fund-raising events in Bahrain, the CTT now supports 35 Bahraini charities such as the Al Rashid Centre for Autism, Bahrain & Saudi Institute for the Blind, Homes for the Elderly, Child and Mother Welfare Society, Migrant Workers Protection Society.
This year they hope to have raised approximately BD33,000. Many companies have aided in the CTT’s success this year such as platinum sponsor Batelco and major supporters Deloitte and Standard Chartered, alongside many others.
Laila Hussain, the AWA Community Service chairperson, highlighted some of the special programmes and actions taken to help the community. She said: “We have volunteers out visiting on a weekly basis. We are supporting over 35 centres and try to get their requests and supply what they need. For example, for the Blind Society, we try to get special audio programmes for their laptops. We also offer scholarship programmes for various schools.
“We were particularly thankful to be offered the use of the beautiful facilities at the BIC for this event. What makes me happy is seeing how happy everyone is. They race, they enjoy the entertainment and they look forward to the next one. We thank everyone for supporting our event, that’s what makes it so successful.”
Her niece Hala Zubari, 23, ran in the 3k race and has participated multiple times during the past decade and spoke of how much she enjoyed the atmosphere. She said: “The event itself just brings people together. It’s such a great environment.
“You rarely get things that adults and kids can participate in together and this is for a great cause and accommodates everyone. The beauty about this race is that it’s not about the people doing the race - it’s about the people the race is for. I think the families of the disabled really do appreciate that and the event overall is great with the energy and entertainment.”
There were several categories of CTT foot races, including an 8K race for entrants aged 15 and up, a 3k and 5k race for those 13 and above, a 2k race for all ages and abilities, a 2k race for children from six to 12, and a walkathon for all ages and abilities. The main event was a 2k race for children and adults who were mentally and physically challenged. They were supported by adult volunteers and students from private schools on the island.
Winners of the 2k race for all ages and abilities were Ahmad from the NBB Home for the Elderly (male wheelchair), Laila from the NBB Home for the Elderly (female wheelchair), Hamad Mohammed from Bahrain Special Olympics (male) and Aisha Isa from the Bahrain Special Olympics (female).
Nadia Nazeer, 39, participated for the first time this year with her family as part of the Special Families Support Group, which offers help to families who have special needs children. With her daughter, Shanzay, 10, by her side, she said: “I think it’s a very good idea for Bahrain to have events like this for families.”
The walkathon brought together people of all ages and abilities and provided a scenic view on the outside of the main track. St Christopher’s students Sophie Wilkinson and Yasmeena Fontaine, both 14, also participated in the walkathon.
“I like helping,” said Sophie. Yasmeena added: “There was this one boy who was disabled and couldn’t use his legs and it was nice to help and accompany him.”
Both hope to do it all again in two years’ time.
Amie Salas, 39, participated in the CTT for a second time. Originally from the Philippines, the executive assistant of Fine Foods, smiled as she spoke about the day. “I think the races are helpful for our health and to participate in this type of a charity event is good for everyone. Some of my colleagues brought their kids with them to race.”
The Director of the Indian Academy, S. Elamurugu, 44, ran in the 3k and 5k races and his daughter Tharanigmurugu, eight, participated in the 2k event with friends from the Dilmun School. “It’s nice to celebrate the National Day of Bahrain, so that’s why we came here. We will definitely do this in future years,” said Mr Elamurugu.
Many volunteers from all parts of Bahrain arrived to lend a hand. Sonny Campos, 36, and Chad Peterson, 31, helped out from the US military. “We decided to volunteer because this is a community that we aren’t usually involved with and we wanted to see how it worked and give something back.”
The winners of the race walked off with glittering medals and trophies to showcase their triumphs. Tomesha Campbell, 27, who works for the US Embassy, won the 8k race in the women’s 15-30 age range category. “Some of my friends are part of the AWA and I wanted to come out here and support them,’ she said.
She also added that her favourite part of the race was tackling ‘all the little hills’ that she didn’t know existed on the track.
Spectators were also welcome to watch the races and delight in the entertainment, which included music, Irish dancing, a Mustang parade, a bouncy castle, henna and face painting, Al Dabka dancers, and a photo booth with Mr and Mrs Santa Claus. There was also a lucky draw raffle which included a variety of prizes, including a car.
For the future, AWA president Lisa Wahba would like to work towards making the Cherry Tree Trot an annual event. “I think we need to see how we can make that possible, but I think it would be amazing. I think the people who come from the centres that come out and enjoy this day look forward to it and I wish we could offer it every year,” she explained.
Mary-Justine Todd, liaison for AWA, added: “We hope to attract growing numbers of Bahraini and expat participants and raise even more money because the more we raise the more we have to give to charities throughout Bahrain! Thank you to our sponsors and to all of the people of Bahrain that supported AWA in this endeavour. Without their kindness, welcome and enthusiasm, it would not be possible.”
For more information about the American Women’s Association visit https://awabahrain.org/
