The sun was not yet up but the mood of the 581
participants who showed up early Saturday morning, on October 30, 2004, in
the 700 year Anniversary stadium was as bright as it could be at the early
hour.
Despite
the early morning hours everyone was in a good mood.
Trainers from ‘FT Fitness’ were succeeding to wake
and warm up the runners by doing Aerobic and Combat training exercises on
stage.
The annual event included a 10.2 km run or a 2.2 km walk.
It was not necessary to be a professional athlete to participate; it was a
fun event for everyone, an event to remember the unbreakable spirit of young
Terry Fox who had his left leg amputated above the knee in 1977 following
cancer. While he was still in the hospital Terry was so overcome by the
suffering of cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise
awareness of the disease and money to fund cancer research. Terry sadly died
while fulfilling his dream at the age of 22 in June 1981.
From
young to old, from American Consul General Bea Camp to orphaned kids from
Vieng Ping Children’s Home, it was a marathon which really gives hope that
one day cancer will be overpowered and cured.
Patrick Ghielmetti, General Manager of the Four Seasons
Chiang Mai said how flattered and happy he feels that so many young and old
people were present to help keep the awareness of Terry and his cancer
research dream alive. He added that during the 12 years, since Isadore Sharp
has founded the Terry Fox Run, it has become an annual event at every Four
Seasons Hotels throughout 16 countries, and over 14 million dollars have
been raised so far for this worthy cause. Proceeds from all events remain in
the country in which they are raised for cancer research.
Sponsors
and organizers from the Four Seasons Hotel, Chiang Mai, Deputy Governor
Prinya Panthong (middle in white), between Four Seasons General Manager
Patrick Ghielmetti (right) and H.E. the Canadian Ambassador Denis Comeau.
He said, “Here in Chiang Mai we have raised 2.185
billion baht since our first run seven years ago. Each baht was donated to
the Oncological (cancer) society of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of
her Majesty the Queen. Today I am very proud to announce that we do not only
have an increase of almost 30 percent as regards participation (451 in 2003
and 581 this year) but we also received 380,000 baht to add to the cancer
research fund. Thank you all for your support for this worthy cause.”
The
winner in the wheelchair category.
The Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, Prinya Panthong,
delivered his speech in both Thai and English before hitting the gong mark
the start.
At the end of the morning, after all the runners and walkers, old and
young returned, the awards were presented, including the prestigious
Queen’s Cup for the fastest participant. In addition a lucky draw was held
with The Regent Singapore and the Four Season Singapore, as well as the Four
Seasons in Bangkok generously donating accommodation vouchers. Patrick
Ghielmetti closed the event saying, “Thank you all very much for coming
and we hope to see you again next year for the Terry Fox Run 2005.”
The
second place in the women’s category went once again to Canadian Michelle
Kaminsky, who received her trophy from H.E. the Canadian Ambassador Denis
Comeau.
The
youngest (2 years and 10 month) and the oldest participant (75 years)
received a token of appreciation from Mrs. Comeau, the wife of the Canadian
Ambassador. (Above & Left)
