Group protecting PWDs to stage footrace next month

THE Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (PADS) is calling on the Cebuano running community to support its campaign in stopping sexual abuse on deaf women and children through their upcoming fun run dubbed “Break The Silence Global Run: Stop Deaf Sexual Abuse” slated March 19 at the SM Seaside City Cebu grounds.

The event in Cebu will be part of the global run that will be held in 20 different countries on different dates. The race in Cebu will be having four distances: three kilometers, 6k, 12k and 21k. It will be held simultaneously with the Manila leg.

PADS is an indigent, non-government organization which helps persons with disabilities (PWD) grow and develop to become independent, integrated and fully functional members of the society.

PADS was able to increase the number of participation of PWDs in the Filipino electoral processes, educated communities on PWD human rights and developed opportunities to learn sign language.

But 65 to 70 percent of deaf children here in the country have experienced molestation after PADS conducted a nationwide survey on the incidence of physical and sexual abuse to deaf children with the partnership of the Philippine Deaf Resource Center. A further study revealed that one third of the female respondents have been raped, often abused by their own father.

The funds raised from the race will go straight to PADS’ projects, including the “Break the Silence” project.

Registration fees are pegged at P350 for the 3k, P450 for the 6k, P550 for the 12k and P650 for the 21k. PWDs can also join the run with a registration fee of P280 for all distances.

To register, one can visit the registration booth in SM Seaside City, SM City Cebu and Cebu City Sports Center. An online registration is also available at spectrum.ph/events/break.the.silence.global-run-2017.