KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica is gearing up to host its first-ever Pedal & Stroll — Cycle, Run, Walk for Preemies 5K event on Sunday, November 30, at the Hope Zoo in St Andrew. The event, designed to support premature babies and hurricane relief efforts, will kick off at 6:00 am with a warm-up session led by Body By Kurt Fitness. Participants, including cyclists, runners, and walkers, will embark on a 5K looped course around the Hope Zoo walking trail, with each participant receiving a commemorative medal upon completion.
Serika Sterling, founder and chairwoman of the Preemie Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘We are thrilled to bring our supporters together for a meaningful morning dedicated to Jamaica’s preemies.’ The event aims to raise funds for the Special Care Nursery at Princess Margaret Hospital, a critical facility for neonatal care. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to Mandeville Regional Hospital to aid recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Sterling emphasized the foundation’s commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by families and healthcare facilities in the aftermath of the hurricane. ‘Many communities and hospitals are still grappling with the effects of Hurricane Melissa. Supporting Mandeville Regional Hospital allows us to address immediate needs while reinforcing our broader mission of healthcare resilience,’ she explained.
The Pedal & Stroll initiative was first announced in September at the Toyota Jamaica showroom and is being organized in collaboration with the Jamaica Cycling Federation, which is overseeing the cycling component of the event. Beyond the race, attendees can participate in a cool-down session and contribute to hurricane relief efforts by donating non-perishable food items and clothing for babies and children. The foundation encourages patrons to bring these items to the event to support ongoing recovery initiatives.