FITNESS enthusiasts from Digicel and neighbouring companies are committed to supporting special needs through the company’s third annual 5K Run/Walk, and they are getting fit for the event through a series of boot camps hosted by Express Fitness throughout the weeks leading up to the October 11 event.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Digicel’s parking lot comes alive as participants gather for the boot camps which deliver gruelling workouts. With emphasis on cardio and core workouts, the sessions are lively, intense and fun-filled. While primarily aimed at getting the Digicel team in shape, the boot camp has expanded to include sponsors and neighbours such as Guardsman Group and the Urban Development Corporation as well as members of the media. This week, a number of special needs participants will also be joining the boot camps.

According to Judine Hunter, special needs programme manager at Digicel Foundation, the boot camp has been an excellent means of building energy among the various teams, as well as online where videos and photos have been shared with the Foundation’s followers.

“The boot camps have been amazing, I have participated and I can tell you they are not easy,” she said. “Yet despite the intense sessions, the Digicel team has really got on board to not only support the upcoming 5K Walk/Run, but also to encourage a healthier lifestyle. As we head closer to the 5K, I am inviting other registered participants to come and take part.”

Last Friday saw Digicel Ambassador DJ Bambino, who has his own team signed up for the 5K, having participants moving to the beat of high-energy songs from his turntables. Sponsors such as CPJ have provided post-boot camp yogurt snacks while Tru Juice has provided refreshments. The boot camps, which will run until October 10, also take place at Express Fitness in Montego Bay with the gym’s members.

The Digicel Foundation 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 11, starting and ending at the telecoms company headquarters on Ocean Boulevard. Proceeds from this year’s event will again go towards providing scholarships to special needs students at partner institutions, through its “Showcase Your SUPERabilities” campaign. The registration deadline which was orginally set for October 4 has been extended to October 7 and can be done at www.runningeventsja.com and through the Digicel 5K app available from the Google Play Store.