Run2Raise gives little blade runner a boost
Myron Rabinowitz
Over 400 athletes participated in the third 10km Avis Van
Rental Run2Raise road race to raise money for “blade runner” Ronaldinho Davidson who recently received his prosthesis. Ronaldinho’s new leg was jointly provided by an Icelandic company, who sponsored the blade, and Barkley Oates Inc, who made and sponsored the prosthesis through which the blade attaches to the body. Run2Raise is a registered Nedbank Running Club George event taking place annually on Worker’s Day, 1 May. Davidson
(8) was born with Type II Tibial Aplasia - the absence, partial or mal-formation of the tibia, the weight-bearing main bone in the leg below the knee.
Not to be outdone, Ronaldinho finished the 3km fun run event, which attracted over a 100 runners from across the Garden Route. Francois Ras of Barkley Oates
Inc, who made Ronaldinho’s prosthesis, said, “We were hoping that he would complete it walking, but he insisted on running. He ran the whole distance, only stopping occasionally. At the halfway mark we stopped to check that Ronaldinho and the prosthesis were okay.” Ronaldinho was clearly chuffed with his performance and enjoyed the day. The cute young blade runner was the centre of attention and his mother Fahima said the event boosted his determination to overcome his handicap. She thanked all the sponsors for making it a most memorable day. Mike Barkley of Barkley Oates Inc is pleased with the success of the project. “Össur, whose headquarters are in Reykjavík, developed the blade, and will cover the shortfall in funding.” Elna Schwartz of Avis Van Rental George, the event organiser, was delighted at the number of runners and spectators at Farm and Fellow Guesthouse and Restaurant at Tramonto in Geelhoutboom. “It is a perfect autumn day.
Thank you to all.”