Last January 12, 2013, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity hosted its fun run for the benefit of the Empowerment through Mobility program where in the proceeds will be given to the Free Wheelchair Mission. The fun run was held at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila City where hundreds of seasoned and first-time runners participated for the benefit of the disabled. This is also one of the kick-off events for the fraternity’s 80thyear celebration.
The run spanned from the Quirino Grandstand until the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the 10k distance with checkpoints at Kalaw and Pedro Gil along Roxas Boulevard for the 3k and 5k distances respectively. Runners young and old, families and friends ran the span of Roxas Boulevard despite the early gunshot launch and the gloomy weather brought about by the low pressure area. Overall, the run was a success all thanks to the major sponsors including Runningmate, Olympic Village, Pocari Sweat and Red Bull, Mayor Alfredo Lim, and all the brods who spent time in preparing for the event.
Starting 5:00AM, runners started pouring in in front of the grand stand to warm up and prepare for the event. Registration started 30 minutes later and more participants started to head onto the race. The introductions and warm-up started at 6:00AM and as the gunshot commenced, hundreds of runners began to sprint for the disabled. The run ended at around 7:30AM and the winners were announced.
The project is for the support of the marginalized and underserved as it involves the participants and partners of the Empowerment through Mobility movement to venture in long-term socio-civic endeavors. This is also to raise awareness for the differently-abled countrymen and raise funds for the program. The Empowerment through Mobility project is annually done by the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity since 2007 and has since reached out to more than 4950 indigent disabled Filipinos nationwide to date.
With the success of the run, it is expected that more wheelchairs will be given to marginalized countrymen this year with the help of local government units, non-government organizations and student organizations. The Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity continues to extend its service-oriented activities to the underserved, bringing empowerment through mobility.
