WENTWORTH streets came alive with a touching display of solidarity as 100 people donned their purple and orange shirts and participated in the Wings Athletic Club’s 6km anti-GBV walk/run on July 12.

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André Louis, Wings Athletic Club’s captain, said the walk was an empowering call to action and a demonstration of unity against GBV, in a society often held back by poverty, drug dependency and violence.

“This run was about breaking the silence, educating the community, and showing survivors that they are not alone. It was inspired by the belief that change begins with awareness and awareness starts with us,” said Louis.

The walk started and ended at the Engen garage on Tara Road. Louis said along the journey, runners were met by well-wishers, who applauded and carried signs of encouragement.

“The inspiration behind the anti-GBV theme came from the pain, silence and fear that too many of our women, children and even men live with daily. In communities like Wentworth where challenges like poverty, drugs and violence already weigh heavily, GBV often goes unseen and unheard,” said Louis.

The participants ranged from seasoned athletes to first-time runners, children to the elderly and everyone in between. Louis said seeing everyone don their purple and orange in solidarity was an emotional experience.

“Watching the crowd gather, seeing the GBV signs and the orange T-shirts worn by many, which means a symbol of hope and solidarity, then hearing the voices speak about a Wentworth community free of violence reminded me that no matter how dark things may feel, there’s still so much light in our people. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of unity that when we come together for a purpose bigger than ourselves, we create real change. I felt proud, humbled and full of hope,” said Louis.

He added that this is just the beginning of a broader movement. “We ran to break the cycle and we’ll keep running until our communities are places of peace, respect and love,” said Louis.

Wings Athletic Club thanked the runners and supporters who came through and made the event as successful as it was.

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