New venue for 2007 Dubai Terry Fox Run set to attract more participants

This year's Run takes place tomorrow, the 26th of January, 2007, and the Chairman of the organising committee, Ara Sahakian, said that Mamzar Park area provided a safe and spectacular backdrop for everyone taking part.

"The old circuit by Wonderland served us well for many years," he said, "but now we can offer everyone the beauty of one of Dubai's most stunning parks, dramatic sea-views and a key ingredient, an abundance of parking.

"Terry Fox runs are always safe, but this year being in the confines of the park makes it even safer," adds Sahakian. "Access to Mamzar is also very easy from all parts of Dubai, and as result we are expecting a record participation."

Last week, the 2007 Dubai Terry Fox Run was given 'Official Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Event' status which is expected to further boost the number of participants in this non-competitive event. Ara Sahakian also said that he was delighted to get the active support of DSF which he was confident would help increase the number of participants.

"With the DSF being such a high profile attraction, being an official event is sure to boost the number of participants in this non-competitive event. And the more people who take part, the more money we are able to raise for this very worthwhile cause," he said.

The Terry Fox Run stands for the many values that are also integral to the shopping festival. The theme of 'One World. One Family. One Festival' reflects the ability of DSF to bring together people of diverse nationalities, race, age, and religion for a common cause. DSF's support for the Terry Fox Run highlights the important role it plays in promoting social and humanitarian values.

"The Mamzar area is capable of comfortably accommodating the thousands we expect to turn out to walk or run the 4.6 or 8.4 km distance, especially wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles and rollerblades. And the more people who take part, the more money we are able to raise for this very worthwhile cause," adds Sahakian.

Last year's event attracted some 10,000 participants, and resulted in excess of AED 500,000 being raised, making it by far the biggest charity event staged in Dubai and one of the top Terry Fox Runs globally.

"There is no minimum registration fee charged to participate in the event. Simply show up on run day and complete a donation form. School and corporate participation is welcome. Simply visit the website for more information," adds Sahakian.