DG's 5k Raises Record Sum for Charity

The sponsors and volunteers behind the 2022 staging of the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge received a big ‘Thank You’ on Tuesday 7 February 2023, at a Government House reception. The event also saw the handing-over of funds raised from the 2022 DG’s 5K to the three beneficiary non-profit organisations

Last year’s Challenge raised a record CI$100k, which has been shared equally between the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, MS Foundation of the Cayman Islands, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI). Major sponsors Appleby, Davenport Development, Maples, Ernst & Young, Butterfield, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Cooperative Credit Union and Dart were recognised along with other corporate sponsors.

“2022 was an amazing year for the DG’s 5K,” commented Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson. “It is so special that we were able to give back to our communities to make lives better and to get out, get healthy, and exercise. Thanks to our sponsors and organisers. We’ve raised $100,000 for some amazing charities and I’m very, very proud.”

His Excellency the Governor Mr. Martyn Roper lauded the initiative for its two-pronged focus of raising funds for charity, and promoting wellness: “The DG’s 5K has become an amazing event across our Islands, and it’s without a doubt the biggest 5K run now.”

He continued, “It’s raised almost half a million dollars since 2014 when it was first established and tonight we donated funds to three great charities from last year’s race. But It’s also about our well-being and encouraging everyone to look after their health, to get out and do exercise. That is a wonderful thing to do for our community so I just want to say ‘thank you’ to the Deputy Governor, organising committee co-chair Jennifer Ahearn and the entire team, and all the sponsors who have made this into a truly wonderful event. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Deputy Governor Manderson also used the reception to announce plans for the 2023 return of the Challenge. Reverting to its traditional month of April, the walk/run this year will be:

Sunday April 16 – Cayman Brac
Sunday April 23 – Little Cayman
Sunday April 30 – Grand Cayman
The beneficiaries chosen for this year are the Cayman Islands Red Cross, LOUD Silent Voices and United Against Bullying Foundation.