On October 12th, a very determined Tiara, H. Ndigayenza (Gamma Gamma Chapter) completed her first 10K (6.5 miles) race sponsored by Westchester Medical Center and Genesis Adventures in White Plains. The event took place on the Bronx River Parkway.  She became the first wheelchair-bound person to compete in the event. 

With a race time of 1:55:55 she was able to attain her goal of completing the race, although she came in last. Tiara chose to compete because “it is one of the things I've never done before. I travel, go to school, serve SIA nationally and volunteer but never have I done anything close to athletic”.  Many of the things Tiara does is for other people but doing this race was something for herself. In order to prepare herself for the race, she trained with a personal trainer since June, practicing on the hills in Central Park and swimming 2 miles twice a week. Tiara was especially encouraged to have the support of other runners who passed her by on the way to the finish line but clapped for her and gave her a thumbs up. This, she says, helped her get through some of the more challenging parts of the course. When asked what the best moment was she answered, “The best momen was towards the end when another runner ran up beside me, offered his company and, even though he'd lose time, finished with me”.  So, what’s next for this motivated hermana?  “Maybe the Hudson swim!” she says, which is a part of the Swim For Life summer event in New York City.

SIA would like to congratulate Tiara on her first marathon!