Guyana’s successful amputee marathon champion William France will be staging the 13th edition of his walkathon, ‘William France Fitness Walk’ today from the Two Brothers Gas Station to Mocha Road Head on the East Bank Demerara from 6:45hrs.
The athlete who has received Guyana’s highest National Award; the Medal of Service, told Stabroek Sport that the fitness walk is aimed at keeping a healthy lifestyle and urged the participants to support the activity.
The 56-year-old France, who has a wealth of experience with races on the international scene, representing Guyana at 13 marathons, nine in New York and four in Boston revealed that he will be participating in today’s event.
The event which is traditionally attended by members of the France’s Differently Able Athletic Club will see winners carting off top prizes which include trophies for the top three finishers, France disclosed.
France listed Da Silva Optical, Two Brothers Gas Station, Brains Watch World, Ramchand Auto Sales, National Sports Commission, Bank DIH, Demerara Distiller Distributers and Dr. Jennifer Westford Minister of Public Service, Hon. Samuel Hinds Prime Minister, just to name a few as sponsors of the event.
Apart from that, the marathon athlete said he along a few other amputee athletes including Dennis Berne, aged 50 are preparing and raising funds for the upcoming Terry Fox Run in Canada. The event is scheduled for September 15.
France indicated that a total of $744,000 has been raised towards the trip which costs $1.3 million. According to him, funds have been acquired by petitioning passer-bys at the Harbor Bridge, to whom he expressed his sincere gratitude.
