Organisers hope to raise BD60,000 ($159,574.87) for special needs people across Bahrain at one of the country's biggest charity events.

The biennial Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) is being organised by the American Women's Association (AWA), which is urging more people to sign up to assist disabled runners, mostly children with special needs and those in wheelchairs, in the fun run and fundraiser event.

Physically-challenged people from 20 special needs centres across Bahrain will take part in the day-long event on November 30 at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

They include the Friendship Society for the Blind, Saudi Bahraini Institute for the Blind, Bahrain Mobility Institute, Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation, NBB Home for Disabled Children, Al Rashad Autistic Centre, Shaikhan Al Farsi Centre and BBK Rehabilitation Centre.

The Bahrain Special Olympics team, Hope Institute for Special Education, RIA for Special Needs, Sneha, Al Rahma Centre, NBB Home for the Elderly, Riffa Elderly Day Care Centre, Childcare Home, Alia for Early Intervention, the Bahrain Disability Challenging Youth Society and Bahrain Deaf Sports Club will also take part with Al Manar Parents Care, Down Syndrome Society and Child Day Care Centre registering for the first time.

Registration is still open and participants have until 8am on race day to enter the event, which will feature a 5km run at 9am followed by a race for the handicapped at 10am and a walkathon for all ages at 10.30am.

A 5km race will take place at 11am followed by a juniors 2km race and a 3km race ending the day at 12.30pm.

More than 1,300 athletes are expected to take part in the races and organisers hope to attract around 2,500 people, including runners, volunteers and spectators.

Cherry Tree Trot co-chairperson Laila Hussain said the organisation aims to rally more than 200 volunteers to assist the special needs participants during the race.

"We had more than 2,000 participants in our last event and hope for a bigger number this year," she said.

"It's the biggest fundraiser for the AWA, which will support 35 disabled and elderly centres for the next two years.

"The money raised comes from the corporate sponsorship and the registration fee."

Sponsors this year include Batelco as the sole platinum sponsor, while Chevron, Alba, Standard Chartered Bank, Ford and the BIC are gold sponsors.

GPIC, Cebarco Bahrain, Banagas, Fine Foods, AirFrance-KLM, Jasim Trading, Gulf Daily News, Gulf Weekly, Daily Tribune, McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Arwa Water are silver sponsors.

Bradran Carpet, Bapco, Valerus, Intercol and Oriental Furniture are bronze sponsors.

Registration for adults costs BD6 and BD5 for those aged under 15, and includes a free T-shirt and drinks.

Food, drinks and entertainment will also be available to visitors and participants. – TradeArabia News Service