June 15, 2006 - Ha-Shilth-Sa - Page 11
Elders Run a Resounding Success
Important Notice to Nuu-chah-nulth Elders Submitted by Irene Robinson, BC Elders Gathering Student An urgent appeal is being made to Nuuchah-nulth Elders attending the upcoming B.C. Elders Gathering in July. Some participants are under the impression that if they are Nuu-chahnulth they don’t have to fill out and submit a registration form. “This is false,” said Irene Robinson. If you have not already filled out and submitted your Participant Registration Form you can do so for free only until
“Run for Elders” participants begin to arrive at the Tseshaht Market. By Wawmeesh, George Hamilton Ha shilth Sa Summer Student Port Alberni – A large crowd was gathered at Maht Mahs on Sunday as the Run for Elders fundraiser drew to its exciting conclusion. People sang traditional songs while throng of Aboriginal people arrived at the parking lot. “This run was absolutely a great success,” said Vina Robinson, the 2006 B.C. Elders Gathering Coordinator. “Everything went smoothly.” Sponsored by the Tseshaht First Nation the Run for Elders started Saturday 8:00am at Tofino’s Government Wharf and finished at the Maht Mahs Gym in Port Alberni. Over 200 runners participated in the 120km event, a majority of which were Nuuchah-nulth. The event was held to help raise funds for the upcoming B.C. Elders Gathering July 18-20, 2006. Pledges raised by the run totalled approximately $15,000. “This far exceeded our expectations,” said Robinson. Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation led group pledges by raising $3000 and young Ricky Masso raised $1038, the most pledges for any individual participant. The event was held to help raise funds for the upcoming B.C. Elders Gathering July 18-20, 2006. Pledges raised by the run totalled approximately $15,000. “This far exceeded our expectations,” said Robinson. Tla-o-qui-aht First
Nation led group pledges by raising $3000 and young Ricky Masso raised $1038, the most pledges for any individual participant. Among the participants were old, young, mothers, fathers, families and even grandparents. “I’m running with my kids and grandkids,” said one smiling participant between deep breaths. Behind them a mother and teen daughter hugged in elation as they finished the run together, their red faces a mix of tears and sweat. Some young runners dribbled basketballs while running. One young lady defined the word ‘courage’ as she ran the race barefoot. $500,000 is projected to be required to host the B.C. Elders Gathering and money raised to date including proceeds from The Run for Elders is $210,000. “We’re half way there,” said Robinson. Upcoming events to support the B.C. Elders Gathering will include a Get-out-ofjail fundraiser, a dance, and an art auction.
Elders gathering coordinator Vina Robinson and NTC President Francis Frank present a prize sweater to Ricky Masso. Masso raised $1038.50, the most of any individual.
June 18. After that said Robinson “there will be a $30 dollar late-fee charged for late registrations.” Registration forms are required for all participants for two important reasons. “The caterer needs to know the number of registrants well before hand to properly plan for meals,” said Robinson. “But more importantly, the nurses and health staff on site need to be aware of participant health information.” For more information contact Irene Robinson at (250) 724 5757 or email her at irobonso@uvic.ca
MacDermott’s Insurance Agency Ltd. makes generous donation to support upcoming BC Elders Gathering. L-R: John Panagout, Commercial Manager, John Gomez, NTC Summer Student, and Rose Mesic, General Manager. Kleco kleco!