AKWESASNE – Troy Thompson will be running in the 2018 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon with the goal of raising money to combat Child Obesity in his community.
The marathon will be taking place on May 27 and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) District Chief will be running 42.2km in support of Iakwa’shatste Youth Fitness, a community youth fitness program. Thompson explained that so far, around 700 kids in Akwesasne, and surrounding areas, have benefitted from the program. 100% of funds raised will go to them.
“It is a wonderful not for profit providing expert training, nutrition and leadership skills for youth,” said Thompson.
Thompson says that he hopes to raise $10,000 for the program to get more kids involved.
“I’m really concerned about the health of our children,” he said.
Thompson explained that in the future, he also wants to setup a charity of his own to fund the construction of trails, parks, playgrounds and recreational spaces in all of Akwesasne. This infrastructure would help kids stay active all year around in the community. “This infrastructure is much needed throughout our entire community. It gets kids away from their video games and playing back outside, connecting with their families. It provides them options to stay active.”
Thompson says that he has always been an active runner, and credits running with helping him stay in shape.
He explained how he started running races in elementary school. Thompson says that he ran the New York City Marathon in 2004 and hopes to run at least one marathon every year.
