March 7th 2021 saw the first ever PADI Run Against Debris in Cyprus, Malta, Tenerife, and the UK. There was an incredible response to the event, organised through the PADI Run Club Europe Facebook Group, and we would like to thank all the organisers and those who took part in the event. Because of your actions the ocean got a little bit of a break.
A huge thank you to CyDive, Pissouri Bay Divers, Freedom Divers Cyprus, Scuba Tech Diving Centre in Cyprus. Paradise Divers, Teide Divers and Tenerife Diving Academy in Tenerife. New Dimension Scuba and Divewise in Malta and Ocean Turtle Diving in the UK, who, due to the tight restrictions, had some of their divers within a household conduct their Run Against Debris.
The events were incredible successes, with some centres setting up hikes (you don’t have to be a runner) where the divers were dropped off and picked up. Some events took place along the coastline and some in local towns and countryside, with everyone from the young to the “not so young” all getting out and doing their part in line with local covid restrictions.
In total there were over 500kg of rubbish collected, money was also raised for Project AWARE and, from feedback from the organisers, everyone had a great time getting outside, socialising as much as possible, and doing something good for the ocean and surroundings.
The PADI Run Against Debris is an event which will be conducted twice a year, with an aim to help stop debris getting into our ocean. As PADI divers you all do an incredible job organising and conducting Dive Against Debris, and the PADI Run Against Debris aims to help prevent the debris reaching the ocean in the first place. Our ocean is a little bit better off, after PADI divers became part of the solution for the issue of marine debris.
The event was created through the PADI Run Club. The PADI Run Club has been set up to help support a healthy lifestyle for our PADI Members, especially now with the current strain COVID 19 is putting on all of our lives. The group is there to encourage us all, even if it is just for 20 minutes, to get outside (where possible), turn off the laptop, and set your own personal challenge. Whether this is to walk a bit further than normal, go for a bike ride once a week, or reach a personal running goal, the group is there to support you and post your accomplishments.
A few have asked how the Run Against Debris came about. PADI Regional Manager, Jason Sockett, was running with his wife, Louise, when during the run she spotted a discarded crisp packet, picked it up and carried on running. When she got to the next bin she put the rubbish in, and this inspired Jason to plan the first PADI Run Against Debris.
We are excited for the next event which will be held in mid-September during AWARE week, keep an eye on the PADI Run Club Facebook Group for details closer to the time. Thank you to everyone who was able to take part in the first ever event and to all the organisers. For those who tried but due to COVID restrictions were unable to join, thank you and we hope to see you next time.
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