Over the years the Williams Syndrome Association has built up a range of service for our members. Just to give you an idea here is a list of just some of the thing that we organise throughout the year for members. • Weekend outings • Music Camp • Information leaflets/booklets • Attendance at FEWS • AGM • Contribution to NPSA These all cost money and, in these recessional times, much of the funding which we have relied on in the past has been cut. This year we are making a concerted effort to raise some additional funds so that we can continue to provide a full and efficient service to you the members. I will be taking part in the Ladies Mini Marathon this year and I am asking you to please sponsor me.

The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years.

Over those years nearly 780,000 women have entered the event - and the Flora Women's Mini Marathon had a record field of 40,397 on Bank Holiday Monday, June 7th, 2010.

Charities are the big winners. In 2010 it is estimated that almost  €14m was raised by the participants bringing the  total since the race started in 1983 close to €137m. All charities benefit. The women decide themselves who they will support and many local causes gain vital revenue from the event. It is now the biggest single day charity event in the country.

The event has no equals in its appeal. Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement.

June 12th 1983 has become a very significant date for Irish women. Prior to that it was virtually unknown for women to train in public in the towns and cities of Ireland. The Women's Mini Marathon changed all that. By coincidence the first Women's World Marathon Championship was also held in 1983. Though women competed in marathons in various cities, the World and Olympic governing bodies frowned on distance running by women. Up to 1980 the longest distance women ran in the Olympics was 1,500 metres (1 mile approx).