Clayton twins named ambassadors for charity run in Miami

TOP junior sprinters, twin sisters Tina and Tia Clayton, will leave the island on Thursday for Miami, Florida, where they will be ambassadors for the 5K Gallop Charity Run.

The event will be staged as a fundraiser for Jamaican schools which have been negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Tina Carroll-Scott, general paediatrician and medical director of South Miami Children ‘s Clinic and main organiser of the event, said she made several trips to Jamaica during the pandemic and saw where several schools had been affected negatively, so she decided to help by arranging this 5K to raise funds for these schools.

According to Dr Carroll-Scott, more than 1,300 schools from primary to high school level will be involved, and they will do as best as possible to help each school.

“The entry fee for this venture is US$30 and we have been reaching out to alumni from these schools to at least get 60 individuals from each to enter. If they can’t get 60, they can get as many as possible,” she added.

Former Calabar High School and national 400m runner Daniel England was approached by Dr Carroll-Scott in May at a Consular General 5K event, and he will assist with the organisation of the event. England will also be involved in the warm-up activity before the race.

Dr Carroll-Scott, who is a niece of veteran Jamaican singer Ernie Smith, said she has been watching the progress of the Clayton twins for a long time.

“I have been following the progress of the Clayton sisters, and I am really proud of their achievements. And even more, Tina has my first name, and I saw them as excellent ambassadors for the event and it was a no-brainer to get them involved,” she said.

“ Tina and Tia’s presence will definitely help to attract a big turnout for the meet, and both will be asked to just run the first 100 metres of the event, then stand by the side for the remainder of the race to chit-chat with the fans,” Dr Carroll-Scott said.