Terry Fox Run inspires hope at International School of Beijing

(Newswire.net — September 29, 2016) Beijing, Shunyi District —

Come Friday morning, hundreds of students, teachers, and parents will descend on the track and field of the International School of Beijing (ISB). Decked out in celebratory bright colours and even brighter spirits, they will participate in the 23rd Annual Terry Fox Run.

“Terry Fox is an inspiring reminder to our students about the monumental difference one person can make to the world,” said Grade 12 student Stephanie D. “Some of our elementary school students even run with a hobble to experience what it must have been like for Terry Fox.”

Terry Fox, a national hero in Canada and recognized worldwide, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 1977, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. Three years later, Fox embarked on a cross-country Marathon of Hope to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Fox didn’t make it across Canada, but he covered 5,373 kilometres—the equivalent of a marathon a day for 143 days—before succumbing to his cancer at the age of 22 in June 1981. He remains a symbol of hope for many.

His marathon inspired a myriad of runs beginning in September 1981 at 760 sites across Canada. These runs sparked a tradition that grows and stretches across the globe each year, with schools and communities raising money and awareness for cancer research to continue Fox’s legacy.

ISB is no exception. The school hosted its first run in 1993, and was one of the first sites to do so in China. Seven were held in the country last year.

“It is a chance for our school community to unite for a common cause and show our collective support to people affected by cancer all over the world,” said Jon Hill, ISB middle school principal. “It’s also a powerful reminder about the importance of perseverance and endurance.”

Armed with Fox’s inspiring tale, the day becomes a celebration bringing grades together to run around the track, play games, and enjoy the outdoors.

“Terry Fox embodies many of ISB’s core values, including respect, global-mindedness, and integrity,” said David Munro, the high school principal.

Through fundraising, organizing, and participating, the run allows students to also demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and inclusiveness.

Judith Fox, Fox’s sister, and representatives from the Canadian Embassy in Beijing have spoken at the school in previous years. Students, teachers, and parents can purchase Terry Fox Run t-shirts with half the proceeds going towards the Terry Fox Foundation. Last year, ISB raised 35,351 RMB ($7,150CAD) for the foundation.

“ISB strives to keep alive this spirit and foster empathy for people from underprivileged circumstances among our students,” said Tarek Razik, head of ISB.

The Terry Fox Run at ISB takes place on Friday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact the school at +86 (10) 8149-2345 and info@isb.bj.edu.cn, or visit its website.