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Thirty-one years since the first and two years since the last, the American Women’s Association (AWA) members and supporters will be stepping out once again to stage the kingdom’s biggest fundraiser for the disabled.
The biennial Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) aims to help raise awareness, as well as money, for those in need whilst having fun with a number of races for both the physically and mentally-challenged as well as able-bodied participants.
This year the event will be taking place on November 30 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
Following the success of CTT 2010, with more than 2,000 people participating, including 400 disabled Bahrainis, the AWA is now pushing to raise BD60,000, which is an ambitious BD8,000 more than the last event.
Chairperson of the CTT, Laila Hussein, said: “The previous CTT was such a success as we raised BD52,000 and this year we want to generate even more.”
The organsiers have been overwhelmed by the goodwill and community support they have received from locals and expats alike with Batelco, Chevron, Standard Chartered and Alba offering financial support.
“Different races will be taking place at the BIC but the main event for the physically and mentally-challenged people in the country will start at 10am. There are 20 different community centres taking part this year.”
Races include a 5km run at 9am followed by the main disabled race with a walkathon at 10.30am. In addition a 5km race will take place at 11am with juniors’ 2km and 3km races at 12.30pm.
During the past 12 months the AWA has taken part in a number of charitable endeavours. It has gathered more than BD3,000 for the Saudi Bahrain Institute for the Blind and the Friendship Society for the Blind towards new computer software suited for blind people.
Laila, a mother-of-four from Hamad Town, said: “We have accomplished a lot and are very proud.
“In 2010 the CTT had up to 400 disabled people who joined us from the centres, it was very entertaining. What is important is that we are raising money for the disabled but also including them.
“Everyone is welcome. We invite the mentally and physically challenged people in the community. We want to give them the opportunity to become part of it, not just take the money and miss out on all the fun.”
CTT aims to involve the disabled regardless of their handicap. Volunteers will be there to help, pushing wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled participants or just to assist by running or walking alongside the blind.
American Mission Hospital and Awali Hospital have also provided their services with nurses and ambulances on site in case of an emergency.
On top of all the races, fun and entertainment will also be provided with a DJ, a dance group, face painting, henna art and many more games for all the children to enjoy.
Laila said: “At AWA we really tried to concentrate on the disabled people because some of them never even leave the centres. This is a chance for them to get out and talk to people in the fresh air. They always look forward to it. Many of them have also never visited BIC. They are so excited. The best thing is to see how happy they are and see the smiles on their faces.”
Registration costs BD6 for those aged 15 and over and BD5 for those under, which includes a free T-shirt and refreshments. Registration is open and forms can be found online at www.awabahrain.org
