While Sydney Australia is drawing world wide attention by hosting the Olympic Games, Sydney, Cape Breton held an Olympic style event of its own. Led by the phenominal team spirit of the organizers and backed by heart-warming corporate and community support the "CIBC Run For A Cure" was a healing experience in itself.

The vision of the organizers was far surpassed with a stream of over two thousand participants running, walking, jogging and riding along the Esplanade in Sydney. We joined as a community who cares about one another and want to make a positive difference in the lives of all who suffer with cancer. Many people who joined the crowd have lost loved ones to cancer, particularly breast cancer; many are survivors and many are hoping and praying that they will live as survivors.

Over $223,00.00 was raised today in Cape Breton for cancer research. For all the negative comments that have been spoken about Cape Bretoners over the years, this "CICB Run For The Cure" is a fine example of the true spirit of Cape Bretoners who put their minds and hearts to a cause for the good of their community. To everyone who worked so hard to make this remarkable event possible I want to thank you on behalf of all Cape Bretoners and to wish God’s blessings upon you and yours.

Just as the run celebrations drew to a close with the singing of "We Rise Again" I looked up and saw a pink ballon rising towards the heavens and two bald eagles soaring high above Sydney Harbor. Like the balloon and the eagles rising high, I believe we will rise above the challenges we presently face as a community when we focus on the vision and type of community spirit displayed through the "CIBC Run For The Cure."

(c) Viola Doncaster, October 1, 2000.