Rain no match for Breeze

“Don’t rain on my parade …” is the song Breeze FM and Radio Cayman staff must have been singing in the final days before the Second Annual “Breeze Fusion 2-Mile Run/Walk”, which took place on Saturday, November 1. When Saturday came, it seemed Mother Nature was going to cooperate. As the 7:30am start time drew closer, participants were appearing thick and fast. Then the heavens opened and the rain came down.

This was not a deterrent however, for the organizers and just over fifty participants, evenly split between male and female, including a few young aspiring runners. After an on-time start, a drizzle here, a downpour there, they just kept on going. Even at the end of the race they were determined to stay through the awards ceremony, give-aways and just to enjoy the camaraderie.

This year’s overall winner—also the winner of the male 40 to 49 year-old category—was Steve Spiers, who was visiting from Virginia Beach. Despite the conditions, Steve finished in 11:20:00. Overall female was local resident, Beth Schreader, her time 11:59:00. Some 50 trophies were awarded in male/female categories, ranging in age from under-12 to over-60.

MATTSafe and the NCVO were the chosen organizations which benefited from part-proceeds of the event. Pat Ebanks, Director of MATTSafe was on hand to assist with the presentation of trophies. MATTSafe promotes safe driving for young drivers in Cayman and plans to institute safe-driving skills lessons in High Schools across the Cayman Islands. Ms. Ebanks later received the donation for MATTSafe. The presentation to CEO of the NCVO, Janice Wilson was made live during the 29th Annual NCVO Telethon, which was aired on CITN/Cayman 27 on the same evening of the Breeze Fusion.

The organizers thank Roma United FC, Funky Tangs, Sagicor, Reflections, Maedac Cards, Cellular World, British American Insurance, Wendy’s, Lee’s Office Products, Hydes & Sons, Zulu’s, Kirk Marine, Le Classique, Cayman Taffy Co., Tony’s Toys, Pure Health, Godfrey’s Enterprise, Atlantic @ Governor’s Square, Edie’s Décor, Singh’s Roti Shop, The Dog House, Le Bleu—the Official Water of Breeze Fusion, Coach Jerry Harper and Phoenix Athletic Club, for their generous support, as well as Media partners Cayman Net News, Gospel 88.7FM and other media houses who provided coverage prior to and after the event. They also thank everyone who braved the weather to come out and participate.

As the organizers look forward to next year’s Third Annual “Breeze Fusion 2-Mile Run/Walk” on—rain or shine—in an effort to constantly improve the event, increase sponsorship support and numbers of participants, comments and suggestions are welcome at www.radiocayman.gov.ky

Photo 1: Acting Deputy Director/Sales & Promotions Manager at Radio Cayman,  Paulette Conolly-Bailey (R) making the presentation to Janice Wilson, CEO, NCVO during the 29th Annual NCVO Telethon/Radiothon held on November 1 at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Photo 2: Pat Ebanks, MATTSafe Director (far right) and Aileen Samuel, MATTSafe President (second left) accept their donation—part proceeds from this year’s Breeze Fusion Run/Walk—from Acting Deputy Director/ Sales & Promotions Manager at Radio Cayman, Paulette Conolly-Bailey (second right). Looking on at far left is Account Executive, Katherine Miller.