Scholarships among Freedom Run 5K prizes in Grande

SCHOLARSHIPS have been added to the list of prizes at the 22nd annual Freedom Run 5K on August 1 in Sangre Grande.

The race takes off at 4 pm at Walke Street and will see participants make their way through the streets of Sangre Grande before finishing back at the starting point.

The 5K will be preceded by a cultural programme at 1.30 pm.

The defending champions are Kenyan Alex Ekesa and Arimian April Francis.

Apart from over $6,000 in cash prizes, for the first time in the race's history, scholarships are being offered by the Sangre Grande Educational Institute and the New Butler Associate College.

Rodney Edwards, principal, Sangre Grande Educational Institute, told Newsday it was an easy decision to come on board with the Walke Street Emancipation Committee.

"They are in the community for years trying to help the youths. They do a lot of good work with little to no resources," he said.

Edwards said it was a no-brainer when he was approached by the organisers.

He said the scholarship, which covers tuition for the year, is valued at $12,000. The recipient will have to pay the registration fee and other expenses.

"We're looking at someone who is maybe lacking a subject or two. We want to help people who want to help themselves," he said.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed secondary school and obtained two or three CSEC passes (grades one-three); must be willing to be involved in the school and community; and must submit to a means test.

Once selected, attendance at school must be at 90 per cent and above and a high-grade point average must be maintained. All rules of the schools must be followed.

Ife Alleyne, principal, New Butler Associate College, said the scholarship falls under the Save One Scholarship Programme which started in 2006. She said the programme was conceptualised to assist students of Laventille and environs who did not do well at their exams.

She said the scholarship is for two years and allows the recipient to repeat forms four and five or attend form six and even get a diploma or associate degree. She said life skills are also taught at the programme.