9RUNRUN Virtual 5k Run
Throughout the month of October, members of our Senior Ladies Gaelic Football team participated in the Virtual 5k run in support of Ottawa First Responders. Celebrating their 10th year, the 9RUNRUN‘s goal is the following:
“The 9RUNRUN has made it a priority to work with local charities that focus on raising awareness and treating mental health issues in our community. By partnering with Emergency Services, they are able to bring attention to mental health issues in police, firefighter and paramedic units across Canada.
For first responders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a frightening and increasingly common occurrence on the job, and it can be devastating to lives and careers without support. Finding support can be difficult, and is compounded with the fear that stigma still exists in society surrounding mental illness. Evidence shows that first responders are at least twice as likely compared to the general population to suffer PTSD. Since our first event in 2010, 9RUNRUN has been a supporter of mental health initiatives through DIFD (Do It for Daron).”
Now more than ever are we thankful for the First Responders and Front Line workers of Ottawa and the surrounding area. With some of our members working on the front lines, primarily Gaels Sarah Griffin who works as a Police Dispatcher, our club felt the need to demonstrate our support for these incredible individuals by participating in the 2020 9RUNRUN.
With members who have worked closely with all Emergency Services, the Ottawa Gaels were proud to show their support by running in the brisk autumn weather. Although they were not able to run together due to COVID-19, they ran together in spirit, distance, and all wearing the same shirt!