It was a little disappointing to say the least as the figures dramatically fell compared to last years 27th Annual Women’s Race, sponsored by the St. Croix Women’s Coalition, but the energy was up where it always is. The 222 registrants for an event that raises money for and public awareness about rape, domestic abuse and other violence against women was only about half the number that has taken part in previous years. Nevertheless the enthusiasm shone through regardless the lack of numbers. The staff from Curves led them in an aerobic warm-up session in the street near the starting line by Customs House in Christiansted. The music was loud. Announcer Claudette “Adjoa” Young-Hinds was shouting out encouragement and about 200 women were keeping the beat together getting into the spirit for a cause. You could pick out the voice of one of the crowd shouting “Heck, we are going to be tired before the race even starts.” Clema Lewis, co-director of the Women’s Coalition, said the race is about women getting out to support other women.
“It is all about spirit and about the community coming together,” Lewis said. “This is still a strong showing and we are doing well.”Mary Mingus, co-director of Women’s Coalition and co-founder of the race, said the current economic slowdown creates more need for the group’s services.“With the economic downturn there is a lot more tension causing more violence,” Mingus said. “More women are coming to the coalition for help so that is why we need the Women’s Race.”
Major sponsors of the race were Sonya Ltd., Bank of St. Croix, James River Capital Corp., T.E.A.M., AARP, HH Tire & Battery, James River Capital, Hovensa and ADT.
Source: http://stcroixsource.com
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