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| Getting ready at 105 Gibson Centre |
It was a beautiful day with temperature at around 10 degrees C and a clear sky.
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| A physiotherapist volunteered her time to take care of participants |
We met with our group- Joy Beyond Vision Community - at the Cultural Cafe shortly after 1:00p.m at the 105 Gibson Centre.
There were a few people already there picking up T- shirts, discussing directions and getting ready for the walk/ run.
Someone got injured a few weeks ago and a physiotherapist was there offering free service to help anyone who needed it before the event.
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| Everyone was getting excited! |
Pastor Danny and his team organized and encouraged members of the Joy Beyond Vision Community group to take part in the event.
There were ten visually impaired people taking part in the 5km walk!
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| Many volunteered offered their help to the VIP's ( Vision Impaired People) |
For each runner, there were two volunteers with normal vision supporting them before and during the event.
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| Warming up for the 5km Walk! |
Participants and volunteers were at the Gibson Centre chatting, encouraging each other and taking pictures.
There was an air of excitement at the Cultural Cafe. Everybody was excited about this event!
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| Going to Mississauga! |
A school bus picked up everybody including the runners, helpers and some family members who were there to cheer on their loved ones.
The school bus took us to the Carmen Carbassan Community Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, about half an hour drive from Toronto.
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| Shuttle buses taking the runners/ walkers to the starting point of their routes |
We were dropped off at the community centre's parking lot, and boarded a shuttle bus taking us
to the 5Km run starting point at Front St. and Lakeshore Drive in Mississauga.
After about a 15 - 20 minutes' ride, we were at the 5K starting point.
There were a lot of people, young and old. Everyone was in a good mood, excited to get started.
Canada is a multi-cultural country and we pride ourselves of our diversity.
The participants in the Mississauga sports event reflected the Canadian spirit.
People from all different background, abilities, ethnic groups were here together for one purpose.
We were all there to participate in a sport event and raise fund for a good cause!
It was a lot of fun being with so many people and
waiting for the run/ walk to start.
Some people did a marathon while some ran/ walked a 10 Km route or did the 5km route.
The event was an inclusive event as it was designed to include people with various ability levels.
With popular and inspiring music playing, runners/ walkers did warm up exercises to get themselves ready.
Some prepared themselves on the rowing machines set up on site.
After we sang O Canada, and right on the starting time. all the participants started their run/ walk!
The route was well marked out with clear big signs leading us towards the right direction.
We passed by the Port Credit Habour, beautiful scenery and residential areas with beautiful homes fronting the lake!!!
The vision impaired runners were doing very well, enjoying the event and were able to keep up with other participants.
It felt great as we saw the crowd lining the final stretch of the route near the finished line!
As we were heading towards the finished line and unbeknownst to us, our arrivals were captured on video by Sports Stat.
After entering the finished area, each runner/ walker was given a aluminum foil blanket, water, cookies, bananas, pita rounds, and energy bars.
There were a number of tents set up; some volunteers gave out free food and souvenirs. But we were attracted to the tent with music and musicians performing.
It was quite a celebratory atmosphere!
Participants were tired, but were jubilant as they had accomplished their goals and finished their routes.
I felt great as I saw the bright huge smiles from grin to grin on many of the faces from the Joy Beyond Vision Community group.
It was a great day for all who participated!
R.T.
Mississauga
Ontario
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| People waiting and taking picture before the run |
After about a 15 - 20 minutes' ride, we were at the 5K starting point.
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| Participants were of different ages and diverse background |
There were a lot of people, young and old. Everyone was in a good mood, excited to get started.
 |
| VIPs warming up at the Mississauga site |
Canada is a multi-cultural country and we pride ourselves of our diversity.
The participants in the Mississauga sports event reflected the Canadian spirit.
 |
| Participants from the Joy Beyond Vision Community and their volunteers in the Mississauga sports event |
People from all different background, abilities, ethnic groups were here together for one purpose.
We were all there to participate in a sport event and raise fund for a good cause!
It was a lot of fun being with so many people and
waiting for the run/ walk to start.
Some people did a marathon while some ran/ walked a 10 Km route or did the 5km route.
 |
| A blind runner being guided by his/her helper |
The event was an inclusive event as it was designed to include people with various ability levels.
 |
| People getting ready and doing their warm up exercises |
 |
| Some warmed up by working on the rowing machines |
With popular and inspiring music playing, runners/ walkers did warm up exercises to get themselves ready.
Some prepared themselves on the rowing machines set up on site.
After we sang O Canada, and right on the starting time. all the participants started their run/ walk!
 |
| The entire route was well marked |
The route was well marked out with clear big signs leading us towards the right direction.
 |
| We passed by beautiful scenery during our walk/ run event! |
We passed by the Port Credit Habour, beautiful scenery and residential areas with beautiful homes fronting the lake!!!
 |
| \VIP's and their helpers running/ walking side by side |
The vision impaired runners were doing very well, enjoying the event and were able to keep up with other participants.
It felt great as we saw the crowd lining the final stretch of the route near the finished line!
 |
| Reaching the finished line |
As we were heading towards the finished line and unbeknownst to us, our arrivals were captured on video by Sports Stat.
 |
| A food and water station at the finished area to refuel the participants |
After entering the finished area, each runner/ walker was given a aluminum foil blanket, water, cookies, bananas, pita rounds, and energy bars.
There were a number of tents set up; some volunteers gave out free food and souvenirs. But we were attracted to the tent with music and musicians performing.
 |
| One of the proud participants who finished the event! |
It was quite a celebratory atmosphere!
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| Pastor Danny and Brian |
Participants were tired, but were jubilant as they had accomplished their goals and finished their routes.
I felt great as I saw the bright huge smiles from grin to grin on many of the faces from the Joy Beyond Vision Community group.
It was a great day for all who participated!
R.T.
Mississauga
Ontario
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