Cork Organises Run for Asia Charity Event

12 January 2005

It is not too often that sports people of every code are asked to get

together to participate in the same event, but the Tsunami disaster in Asia

has touched the hearts of millions around the globe. Cork, with its proud

sporting tradition will get a chance to participate in a run (walk) around

the centre of Cork City at 7.30 pm on Wednesday next week. The event was the brain-child of well known three-time Olympian in the marathon and four-time world championship participant Peter Maher who was in Thailand in November.

When he and Dave O'Brien of Treasure Island and desert marathon fame

approached the Lord mayor Seán Martin he had no hesitation in lending his

support to this mass participant venture. Peter mustered some of the best

organisers in the business, from John Walshe of the famous Ballycotton

10, to the expertise of the Cork AAI and the Business Houses Athletic

Association and for the past week they have been working feverishly to

draw up a plan of Campaign to maximise the event to the full and get as many

participants as possible for the event on the 19th of January.

The generosity of Irish people has been staggering and so those who take to the streets on the 19th will be showing huge solidarity with the people of South East Asia. The Press Release at the launch on Wednesday January 6th at the City Hall, by the Lord Mayor Seán Martin, was hugely encouraging and says it all.

"As we are aware the Tsunami which hit southern Asia on St Stephens day,

has claimed more than 150,000 lives and devastated the lives of countless

millions of others. In addition to the dreadful human toll, the disaster

has destroyed homes, communities and infrastructure in several countries

with coastlines on the Indian ocean. A major appeal for International aid has been made to funds for the victims of the disaster. In Cork an initiative is underway by sports organisations to raise funds. With Cork's Run for Asia, there is an opportunity for the people of Cork to collectively show support for the victims of this tragedy, whilst making a financial contribution."

The Irish Red Cross, Goal, Trochaire, Concern, Hope Foundation, Oxfam, will

be the equal beneficiaries from all entry fees received. In addition, sponsorship cards will be available to all participants from all the major charitable organisations when participants enter the event.

Where and When

Cork Run For Asia will be held on Wednesday January 19th at 7.30pm

starting on the South mall with a downtown city centre route.

How to Enter

Entry fee is 10eur. Donations in excess of this will be accepted. The main

office for entries will be the Imperial Hotel. The plan is for entries to be accepted beginning as early as Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of

January.

More details at www.runforasia.com