NASSAU, Bahamas – University of The Bahamas (UB) is leading a community building and fundraising initiative focused on health as a national imperative.
“Health is a national issue and we know that so many of the diseases we struggle with as a people are preventable and based on lifestyle; how we eat and our willingness to be mobile and active throughout life. As a university, we want to lead in this endeavor and UBFIT Grand Bahama provides us with a platform to do just that,” says Dr. Ian Strachan, Vice President UB-North.
The event will be held on 18th November beginning at 6:30 a.m. at UB’s campus in East Grand Bahama. The idea came to life on 1st April 2017 when the University hosted its first UBFIT Fun Run Walk Skate 5K/10K in New Providence. The signature event brought together the University community, alumni, corporate Bahamas and friends of UB to promote health and wellness, ending with an exciting post-race awards celebration and health expo at the race village, UB’s Oakes Field Campus. The Title Sponsor for the inaugural event, Generali Worldwide remains Title Sponsor for UBFIT Grand Bahama.
“We take this initiative very much to heart because as a health care provider, Generali Worldwide always wants to enhance and promote wellness in the community,” explains Mrs. Tashfi Hanchell Edwards, Generali Client Communications Manager.
The funds raised are earmarked for UB’s Annual Fund which provides funding for financial aid, research and other critical programmes and initiatives. The first event raised $35,000 through sponsorships, registration and generous in-kind donations for special needs mobility enhancements at the Oakes Field Campus. More than 500 registrants and participants supported the vision.
Ms. Davinia Blair, UB’s Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs, builds relationships with corporate Bahamas and other partners. She referred to the impact of erecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-approved ramps.
“Recently, we had a person with a disability visit our campus. Now that we have these additional ramps, she took to Facebook to share how much easier it is to maneuver on campus thanks to this initiative,” she explained.
As the first Community Sponsor for Grand Bahama’s UBFIT, Mr. Orick Nesbitt, owner of Nesbitt Fitness, believes in the vision of UBFIT and encourages Grand Bahamians to support it.
“Nesbitt Fitness decided to become a sponsor of UBFIT Grand Bahama because it aligns perfectly with our purpose of making the country healthier and more active, one individual at a time. Due to its success last year, we feel that it is a great event that brings together the community in support of a good cause and promotes active living with the fun run,” says Nesbitt.
The Grand Bahama community, alumni and friends of UB are invited to support this worthwhile event which will positively impact the lives of students, faculty, staff and the wider community. Register at Nesbitt Fitness (Circle Mall) and UB-North campus (East Grand Bahama Highway). For more information visit www.ub.edu.bs/UBFIT, call 302-4354 or email ubfitfunrunwalkskate@ub.edu.bs.
