News
Senecio Fun Run/Walk/wheel - 23 May 2009
In August 2008 a dream became reality when Senecio was born. In November, later that year, it was registered as an Article 21 company, and on Saturday 23 May 2009, it was officially launched. Senecio aims to assist children with disabilities who need therapy but who do not have regular access to therapy due to financial and social circumstances.
The launch was in the form of a fun run with a difference. The sun was surprised on Saturday morning by 200 eager participants who gathered at the Polo field on the picturesque Lourensford wine estate, in Somerset- West. Although chilly, it was a beautiful sunny day without a breath of air. The whole route was wheelchair friendly, and we were very pleased to have 10 participants in wheelchairs and at least 10 more participants with other disabilities. Participants had a choice of walking, running or wheeling 4 or 8km. Being a fun run, assistance was allowed for those who became tired. Many of the people who entered for the 4km walk enjoyed themselves so much that they decided to complete the full 8km. One of the runners, on completion, decided that he needed a bit more, and added another 2 km by running to the gate and back! The poor marshals shivered in the chilly morning air, but the bright smiles of the participants made up for it.
On completion, each participant received a bead and wire medal in the form of the Senecio logo done by one of the local Somerset West artists.
After the fun run/walk/wheel we had a special event in the form of a wheelchair relay with four team members. Able bodied people were invited to try out their skills in a wheelchair, with the wheelchair replacing the usual baton. There was lots of laughter and a great deal of respect for people who normally use wheel chairs!
After the event, many of the participants expressed the wish that this would be the first of many events to come. Hopefully we will be able to do it earlier in the year, in warmer conditions, allowing more people with disabilities to participate.
We believe that Senecio has an important role to play in the lives of many young people, as we are already doing this at four different care centres in Somerset West and Grabouw.