Daniel Igali Walk for Kids

The Daniel Igali 5K Walk/Run for Kids will take place in Bear Creek Park on Saturday October 17th, 2009.

In 2000, Daniel Igali won the gold medal for Canada in men’s wrestling at the Olympic Games in Sydney. The Nigerian-born, Surrey resident’s moving display of placing the Canadian flag down on the mat, circling it in celebration then falling to his knees and kissing it was one of our nation’s most memorable Summer Olympic moments. Since that time, Daniel has finished school, obtaining degrees from SFU, and has founded the Daniel Igali Foundation.

The Walk/Run will take place rain or shine and will benefit the foundation which Igali Foundation initiatives such as the The Maureen Matheny Academy in Nigeria.

“In the small Nigerian village of Eniwari, a new school- Maureen Matheny Academy- is changing the lives of young children all across the Niger Delta. The First Annual Daniel Igali Foundation Run 4 the Kids is your opportunity to get active and have fun while also helping to improve the basic educational needs of the children of Eniwari. The Maureen Matheny Academy, which opened in 2006, is the fulfillment of a promise that Daniel Igali made after winning the gold medal in wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.”

Daniel was a refuge from Nigeria and obtained Canadian citizenship in 1998. Sticking to his promise of helping out those back in his home country, he is an inspiration and role model to many.

You can register online or at a Running Room store for the Daniel Igali 5K Walk/Run for Kids. Before October 15th, the entry fee ($15 adults, $10 youth, $7 kids) will include a t-shirt. Registration on the day of the event is $5 (adults /students) and $2 (kids under 12), not including a t-shirt.

This is the inaugural Walk/Run, which they hope to make an annual event.