Earthquake survivor takes up new challenge

Haiti earthquake survivor Emily Sanson-Rejouis of Nelson is participating in the Spring Challenge all-women’s adventure race to be held in Motueka on the weekend of the 24 -  26 September.  

Emily’s three-person team includes her sister Rachel Sanson and friend, Penny Olsen, and is called Team Kenbe La. Kenbe La translates to ‘never give up’ in Haitian Creole and   is the name of the foundation established by Emily to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in Haiti.

Spring Challenge Organizers, Nathan and Jodie Fa’avae, founders of Ten Events – New Zealand’s #1 Adventure Sporting Events Company, contacted Emily in May 2010 and invited her to enter a team in this year’s race.  They have also chosen the Kenbe La Foundation as this year’s charitable cause for the event and funds donated from race participants will be presented to Emily at the prize giving.

The Spring Challenge, an all women’s adventure race is in its fourth year. The disciplines are rafting, mountain biking and trail walking/running.  There is also a navigation component where teams are given maps and checkpoints to reach. 170 3-person teams are entered in this year’s race bringing the number of participants to just over 500 in total. Teams can enter the 6 hr or 12 hr race. Finishing times are expected to be 6 and 16 hours.

Emily says participating in the Spring Challenge marks an important step in her road to recovery.
 “Sports has always been an important part of my life and particularly so after the devastating loss of my husband, Emmanuel and two daughters, Kofie-Jade and Zenzie, in the earthquake.  Sports helps to bring me peace of mind and clarity in my daily struggle to move forwards.”

Promotion of sports for children is also a central theme of the Kenbe La Foundation.  Emily says creating opportunities for access to educational activities, in particular sports, for disadvantaged children in Haiti is an important tool to help develop self-confidence, teamwork and personal achievement.
“Sports can make you feel good in yourself, it requires discipline, focus and motivation to get out there.”

Emily and her team are excited to enter the race for the first time. They are looking forward to the challenge, to giving it their all and crossing the finish line. They will be supported by family and friends throughout the event.

People wanting to help the Kenbe La Foundation can donate at any branch of the BNZ and can find out more at www.kenbelafoundation.org

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