The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE University of the Bahamas is hoping to have 700 plus bikers, runners, walkers and skaters at the starting line when its UB Fit event kicks off this weekend.

UB Fit in New Providence features 5k or 10k run, walk, bike and skate race, all taking place this Saturday at the Oakes Field campus beginning at 6am.

UB Fit was the first fundraiser of its kind at the University of the Bahamas, with the goal to raise funds to augment school's annual fund and increase mobility on campus for students with special needs.

The event will again highlight blue power fun on the route, a scenic beach run for the 10k participants up Saunders Beach and back to the campus.

After the main event, participants can enjoy the Race Village featuring performances by D-Mac and African dance with Samantha Pratt. There will be a health expo, bouncing castle for kids, face painting and raffle prizes.

Kandice Eldon, the UB Fit organising chairperson, was instrumental in the conceptualisation of the race model, which brought together the UB community, alumni and friends to promote health and wellness.

This year's title sponsor is once again Generali Worldwide and funds raised are still earmarked for the same purpose as last year.

"Its undeniable success paved the way for deeper and stronger ties between the university and the community we serve," said Ms Eldon. "The event was the culmination the institution's annual Health and Safety Week, held under the theme 'Fit. Healthy. Safe'. The inaugural event held last April targeted 500 runners, walkers and skaters, and because of the enthusiastic support, was sold out."

In November 2017, UB Fit was also held in Grand Bahama with more than 200 participants and several local sponsors.

Ms Eldon hopes that participants from last year's event encourage their family members and friends to join in healthy fun for a good cause. The goal this time around is to attract 700 participants, she said.

This year's UB Fit has garnered much public interest, especially from those in the corporate community.

"Corporate Bahamas again has supported this exciting event with more than $40,000 in sponsorship and in-kind donations raised thus far," said Ms Eldon.

Others sponsors for the event include NHI Bahamas; SunTee; Elite Wellness Solutions; Bahamas First; Scotiabank; Caribbean Bottling Company; Oaktree Medical Centre; SYZ Bank; Weight Watchers of the Bahamas; Nassau Rowing Club; Holowesko, Pyfrom and Fletcher; Family Guardian; Bahamas Mortgage Corporation; Bahamas Co-Operative League Limited, and UB's Alumni Association.