We aren’t sure just how many people stopped what they were doing this afternoon to take a peek as the Belize City leg of the annual torch run passed their area, but the event was held to raise awareness about issues affecting the community. The run started off this morning at eleven just outside of the Youth Cadet Headquarters at mile twenty two on the Western Highway. Four hours later it culminated at the Constitution Park in Belize City. 7NEWS caught up with the runners as they made their way unto Caesar Ridge Road.
Shelmadine Cacho, Coordinator
“What we are looking for is participation from youths at different levels. So the run itself gives them the opportunity to say we can do something about these issues, we can run to alleviate HIV/Aids, we can run to alleviate gender based violence, we can be a part of the fight against HIV.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
I know that the 2007 torch run has to be postponed due to inclement weather, this year the challenge was too much sun.
Shelmadine Cacho,
“Yes it was too much sun, we came from mile 21 but it is still amazing to me. The students, they ran so I would like to thank the Youth Cadet, Youth for the Future, BDF, Police – they were on the road and they ran for the cause.”
The 2008 torch run ended with a rally that included speeches and entertainment. The activity was coordinated by the Women’s Issues Network of Belize to commemorate Women’s Week.
