Walk for Sudan Brings Community Together for Good Cause
Written by Martha Riley

What do Manute Bol, Smiling Moose Deli, Wystone's World Teas, Two Worlds Connect, and 500 Sudanese and Americans have in common? A goal of bringing clean water to the people of the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. All of these converged at Campus Middle School and Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday afternoon, October 18 th for the 3rd annual Walk for Sudan, held by Nuba Water Project.

The roughly $20,000 that was raised will go a long way to help the people in the little village of Bilo through well-drilling and construction of thin-shell concrete roofs with rainwater collection gutters that will help supply the community with clean water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.

Manute Bol, 7'7" member of the Dinka tribe from Sudan and former NBA star, traveled from Kansas City to lend his support. Rustin Cole Sailors of Two Worlds Connect, came from San Diego to provide enticing musical entertainment. The enthusiastic crowd enjoyed Smiling Moose Deli 'Mighty Mo' sandwiches. The weather was perfect as participants biked, ran or walked the 5K route. Many stopped by the reservoir to fill containers with water to symbolize the Sudanese experience of walking long distances to collect water for families.

Back at the school, the event continued with a celebration of African culture through Sudanese dancing, a water-carrying demonstration, Nuba Spice Tea-tasting from Wystone's World Teas, an auction and display tables from Nuba Water Project, Project Education Sudan, Ngaatheje Development Project and Equatorial Sudanese Community Association, Colorado.

Super-charged energy came from over 400 participants from the Denver metro area, including students and families from several school districts. Eaglecrest High School and Campus Middle School lead the efforts with the highest level of participation and fundraising.

"It felt so good to be there helping," said Kourtney Porras, an Eaglecrest High School junior.

"It's a great day when Sudanese and Americans of all ages come together to help people so far away, said Martha Riley, event director. "Nuba Water Project's motto is Clean Water Brings Life. Funds from this year's walk will make clean water a reality for the people in the little village of Bilo within the next few months.

Donations are still being accepted. Please visit www.walkforsudan.org or www.nubawaterproject.org for more information.