Feliza Ali Ramos from Bolivia to participate in Ability 5k Fun Run A renowned disability rights activist from Latin America, Feliza Ali Ramos, will be taking part in the Ability 5k Fun Run in Mullingar on September 19th. Feliza has been an inspiration to thousands of her country men and women. So why not join her on the beautiful grounds of Belvedere House & Gardens in Mullingar on the Sunday 19th September, have some fun and help a great cause at the same time!
Over the past two years Feliza has been instrumental in ensuring that people with disabilities and put higher up on the Bolivian governments agenda. One significant fruit of her labour was the inclusion of specific articles protecting the rights of people with disabilities in the new National Constitution which was adopted in 2009. “This is huge progress especially considering that the Constitution at the turn of the last century labeled people with disabilities as ‘useless people.’ This is an achievement that we proudly contributed to”, said Feliza. After a very successful 1st Ability Fun Run in 2009, Mullingar Harriers and International Service Ireland (ISI) will be hosting their 2nd Annual Ability Fun Run on Sunday, September 19th. This year’s event will be a 5k run held on the beautiful grounds of the Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar. The run will start at 11am and prizes made by women with disabilities in West Africa will be presented at 1pm. “Last year’s run was a great success. We had 140 runners who all really enjoyed it and raised almost €5,000 on the day” said Aidan Leavy, Director of ISI. “This year, we want to build on that success, and continue to raise money to support people with disabilities in West Africa. The run is only 5k this year and will take place within the grounds of Belvedere House and Gardens, so it really is an event for the whole family whether you want to run, hop, skip or walk” he added. All proceeds will go towards developing small businesses for people with disabilities in Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa that according to the UN is the fourth poorest country in the world. “Polio and meningitis have yet to be eradicated in Burkina Faso which contributes to a high number of people having some form of disability – about 15% of the whole population. So we provide people with basic management training and the financial means to start small businesses so that they can put food on the table and hopefully earn a decent living”, he added. Registration to participate costs €25, which includes an after-run BBQ! Registration for underage runners is €10. Sponsorship cards are available in Days Bazaar news agents and Brian’s Treasure Chest in Mullingar. There will also be face painting, clowns and music on the day. So save that date, bring the whole family and have some fun! For more information, call Aidan at 086-1732347 or visit the ISI website at www.is-ireland.ie
