The wet weather yesterday, particularly at Kila Eco Adventure Park in Namosi, did not dampen the high spirits of a group one from the world’s renowned hospitality brands, Accor Hotels.

It was to fundraise for kids living with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Fiji with daring, fierce yet fun-filled competition from Accor Hotels’ staff members from New Zealand, Fiji and Australia.

The members are from hotels like Sofitel, Mercure, and Novotel.

Accor Hotels marketing executive- New Zealand & Fiji, Annemarie Webber said the 82 are participating in the annual weeklong Accor Race to Survive to Cure Kids Fiji.

This an initiative which started in 2006 in Fiji but has been ongoing elsewhere since 2003, she said.

“There’s three teams, there’s cagi, vuravura and wai(meaning wind, earth and water in iTaukei respectively,” Ms Webber said.

“Primarily (the participants) they’re from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. That’s who competes in this event and it’s made up of hotel staff so that means anyone in the hotel can take part in it.”

Ms Webber said the initiative undertaken by Accor Hotels was one that its workers’ were passionate about given that RHD was a serious disease not only in the country but worldwide.

The ultimate goal hence was to fundraise as much as each team was able to collect which would be announced at the end of the five-day programme.

“So far Accor has raised $1.3 million through other events throughout the years and this year we hope to get over $500,000.”

Pleass Global Limited- Kila Eco Adventure Park marketing director Cate Pleass said the company was privileged to host an organisation that was involved in community outreach.

“This is an all-weather park. We have guests in fine weather and n the worst of rainy weather but the activities are designed for all weather

“We’re very fortunate to have a company that believes in giving back to the community and supporting community events.”

All three teams participated in the park’s High Ropes Course, the Low Ropes Course and the Commando Course.

Some programmes were the Accor Hotel team Biathlon at Plantation Island Resort, RHD Screening and building playgrounds, Tug-of-war, scavenger hunt around Nadi and a trip over to Malolo Island.

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