Emdad Rahman
The annual Deaf Run returned to Mile End Park this year – attracting thousands of visitors once again as the Deaf charity Al Isharah yet again delivered a spectacular showpiece event.
This year promised to be even bigger and better, with events including a vibrant mix of adrenaline-packed fun inflatable challenges for all including a free-fall stunt bag, the super-spicy hot wings eatathon and the Tug of War team challenge. In fact it was bigger and better than promised, as visitors from far and wide turned up in their droves to support the drive to raise awareness of Deaf culture.
Super- spicy hot wings challenge winner Naz Ali – unsurprisingly – walked up to collect his winners trophy at a very slow pace. “I’m burning inside,” he laughed. “The bubbling within me is taking effect, but I can stomach it as I’ve helped to raise such great awareness of Al Isharah and the groundbreaking work they do. They are truly pioneers. It’s going to be a long night but it was all definitely worth it.”
The showpiece event was the Deaf Run, which saw hundreds of participants running the track at Mile End Park in glorious sunshine. As the run was started by race co-ordinator Abdal Ahmed, a mixture of runners took off at their own pace. Among those at the start line was the inspirational Khadijah Jannath aged 5, a local blind child who was present with her older brother Ismail Uddin, 9 and their parents Fozol Uddin and Alea Begum. “We are so proud of Khadijah,” said Ms Begum. Mr Uddin said, “Well done to everybody who has run today and raised so much awareness for Deaf culture in our community.”
Ziaur Rahman, CEO of Al Isharah, said, “It’s been a memorable day. The weather has been amazing, the run was tremendous, the spicy-hot wings challenge was sizzling and the Tug of War was full of community spirit. I’d like to thank all our sponsors, supporters and especially our volunteers who have all come together to make this happen. It truly has been a day where we have celebrated and acknowledged Deaf culture.”
Amjaid Husaain of Idocz Documemt Solutions was one of the event sponsors. He said, “As a local business, it’s all about supporting brilliant charities like Al Isharah and the Deaf Run. The community have accepted us as a local business, so it’s only natural that we play our part in making this celebration of Deaf culture a huge success. As a local lad I’m deeply proud of what we have achieved today.”
Abdul Hannan, head coach at Brawlers Boxing, was runner up in the men’s race. He added, “It’s a day to unite our community, and the fact that we have combined so much fun while raising awareness of such a brilliant cause is truly a blessing. I’m so proud of my team of runners today. Massive thanks to Al Isharah for showcasing such a brilliant event.”
•For more information about Al Isharah, go to: www.alisharah.com
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