On 9th May 2010, the Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) hosted a marathon called "Run for Humanity". 150 participants took part in the event including a contingent from Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka's National Office. Participants ranged in age from 5 year olds to parents and grandparents of students. Some wore their dry-weave technology sports t-shirts and had their game face on whilst others bought their four legged companions and pushed their babies along in strollers for a day out with the family.
The route was 5 km long and it began at the OSC premises by the school's swimming pool and ended at the same place. The route was varied and trying at the best of times. Participants were grateful that the usually sweltering temperatures of up to 40 degrees were kept at bay by some ominous rain clouds. However the hilly terrain and competitive youngsters made for a heated race to the finish line!
Otara Gunewardene, Goodwill Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka and CEO of ODEL (Sri Lanka's largest retail department store) led the marathon – she ran 3 km and walked 2 km. ODEL sponsored the event by providing bottled water and caps. This has been one of many events organized in aid of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka that Otara has got involved in. Her support of the work of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka continues in a big way this year as she embarks on a 20 houses project to commemorate 20 years of ODEL. The project will see 20 families move into adequate housing around Sri Lanka.
The Habitat Student Society of OSC has plans to formalize their association as a formal Habitat Campus Chapter – the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. This run was part of a student driven series of fundraising activities that the students have organized over the last year. The students ultimately aim to be able to raise enough money to sponsor the construction of and volunteer on one house.
