National Marathon in Namibia, Africa
Recently, The Jackson Clinics was presented with an opportunity to help twenty-four 6th grade runners. These children had been training in their village for several months to participate in a national marathon in Namibia, Africa. An email sent to Richard Jackson, revealed that the runners funding for the marathon had fallen through. Sadly, this happened a few short weeks before the event. It seemed that all their months of training were for nothing. Money was needed to cover the the cost of transportation to and from the marathon, simple housing , food and team T-shirts. In Africa a very little money can go a very long way and so to us this was ”no-brainer”. Funding was sent and twenty four well trained, eager young runners participated and completed that national marathon. An experience not to be forgotten. Only one small regret – not enough time to book a flight and join in the fun!
Those reading this may find it interesting to learn that Richard worked for two years in Kenya as a volunteer for the Peace Corp and has his own personal history as a marathoner, so this request hit two soft spots for us. Our thanks to the Peace Corp volunteer, April Pinner and to these children for bringing us this opportunity!
