Integrity Worldwide 5K to help provide clean water in Kenya
Published 12:32 am Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The annual Integrity Worldwide 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 at Bloch Park.
By Sarah Robinson
The Selma Times-Journal
On Saturday, Oct. 12, Selma residents will have the opportunity to participate in a race that will aid Integrity Worldwide International Christian Missions in their efforts to provide clean water for the people of Kenya.
The group is once again hosting its annual Integrity Worldwide 5K race, this time with the proceeds going to supply Leboo, a small village in Kenya, with fresh drinking water.
The run, which cost adults $25 and kids $15 to participate in, will help fund the drilling of deep wells.
The mission began when executive director Alan Hicks Jr., of Integrity Worldwide, visited Leboo and learned about Mary — a single parent that had to travel 25 miles and momentarily leave her seven children alone to get drinking water for her family.
“It’s almost impossible to believe,” Hicks said. “Her family is one of hundreds.”
Due to the worst drought in Kenya’s recent history, drinking water is as far as 20 miles away and is contaminated with life-threatening diseases such as diarrhea and malnutrition.
Hicks said the water is essential for not only the people, but also the livestock and cash crops, which are the main sources for food and income. The organization will also provide water troughs for the livestock.
Hicks said the organization hopes to have at least 300 runners this year.
The run will begin at 9 a.m. at Bloch Park on Dallas Avenue and it will take runners through Selma and past many historic homes of Selma before returning to Bloch Park and the finish line. Due to the construction, runners will be taking a right behind the stadium down Dallas Avenue going west, instead of the usual left.
Avery Hicks, founder of Integrity Worldwide, said it’s the organization’s outreach to their community.
“We just want to bless our community,” Hicks said.
People interested in participating can register over via phone, mail, or online. You can also register the day of the race at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.Intergrityworldwide.com or call Integrity Worldwide at (334) 322-1201.
