Participants in the ‘Road to Give 2023’ run on Koh Pich in Phnom Penh on October 8. Hong Menea
The streets of Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich buzzed with excitement on Sunday, October 8, during the “Road to Give 2023” charity fun run. This event’s primary goal was to gather essential funds for the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), a non-profit committed to enhancing the lives of underprivileged children through education and overall well-being improvements.
The event, drawing participants of all ages and abilities, was presided over by Samheng Boros, a secretary of state for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation
“Participating today has a two-fold significance for both me and the government,” underscored Boros. “It sets a positive example for our fellow Cambodians, promoting a culture of health awareness. Additionally, when people initiate charitable programmes like this, it helps raise funds to support children facing difficulties,” he added.
The 5km fun run commenced in front of The Elysee on sprawling Koh Pich.
The registration fee of $10 included a T-shirt, breakfast, a race tag, certificate and a medal awarded to the top 10 participants. Trophies were also presented to the top three winners.
Sarah Moya, the general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, one of the event’s co-sponsors, conveyed her gratitude and appreciation for the overwhelming support garnered during the event.
“We take immense pride in the accomplishments of this year’s ‘Road to Give’ event. The engagement and benevolence of our runners, sponsors and the local community have been a genuine source of inspiration,” she said.
“[We] hold a profound commitment to supporting the communities we serve, and this event perfectly reflects our unwavering determination to create a meaningful impact in the lives of underprivileged children,” she added.
Crucially, all proceeds raised from the event will be allocated to CCF, an organisation founded by former Hollywood executive Scott Neeson.
“I’m very grateful to the organisers of this event; Marriott International, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation [OCIC],” expressed Scott Neeson, who is also CCF executive director.
“It’s wonderful for CCF to have been chosen as the beneficiary partner. I wish everyone well – may they run long and far!” he said.
Claudia Turkington, partnerships and donor relations manager for CCF, highlighted the organisation’s mission of ensuring access to education for children living in extreme poverty in Phnom Penh.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who is here today and the amazing Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott and all the partners that made the event happen,” she said.
Among the numerous participants, Pen Sophat, an enthusiastic runner, emerged as the event’s winner, completing the 5km run in just over17 minutes.
“I always participate in charity events because they promote good health, happiness and the opportunity to perform acts of kindness,” he told The Post
Over 650 people registered for this year’s ‘Road to Give 2023’ fun run.
