Charity run to be held next to Shanghai Disney Resort

The government-run 16th Amway Nutrilite Health Run is to be held on October 14 — and for the first time will take place next to Shanghai Disney Resort.

The organizers announced on Tuesday that the charity event, which raises money for mentally challenged children, is seeking 5,000 runners.

The run will both start and end at the MAXUS Plaza and take in Shendi Road S. and Shendi Road E. Runners will be running through Ecological Park and the Herb Garden.

The course of the run is about five kilometers, but the event is not an athletic competition.

Since this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2007 that was held in Shanghai, a special team comprising 100 mentally challenged children along with volunteers will take part in the run.

Participants can also shop at a charity bazaar held at the venue, and all income of the bazaar will go to Shanghai Charity Foundation’s charity programs for mentally challenged children.

People wanting to enter can call 58216683. The entrance fee is 50 yuan (US$8).

This run has been held in 106 cities around China since 2002 and joined by 4.1 million people, according to Amway.

A variety of charity events will be held from Friday to Sunday to mark Shanghai Philanthropy Partnership Day, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau said on Tuesday.

They will include "ride in red" cycling events to raise awareness of environmental protection and to collect funds to support charity programs.

About 600 cyclists will participate in the events. One of the routes involves cycling around Dishui Lake in the Pudong New Area; another route will cover stops such as the Shanghai Library, Ruijin Road senior care center and Shanghai Indoor Stadium.

Some sports celebrities will join the races, the organizer said.

Social organizations will invite visitors to experience making aromatherapy wax plates, paper jewelry, wearing Han costumes, learning about emergency rescue, and playing rugby at Shanghai Gongyi Xintiandi, a government-subsidized charity program park, in Huangpu District.

Free medical and legal consultation for seniors will also be on offer.

A charity bazaar will be held, along with the screening of a micro film — a concert from children with autism — and a psychodrama.

The agenda also includes forums and salons on the development of charity organizations and children's psychological health, seniors' rights and interests, as well as the protection and education of disadvantaged children.