Scarborough, Ont., runner Denoja Uthayakumar is not any stranger to hardship. Her upbringing in Toronto’s interior metropolis was removed from straightforward, and she or he has taken her experiences and constructed a social platform the place she will advocate for people from comparable backgrounds.
Uthayakumar was born right into a Tamil household; she was recognized with thyroid most cancers at age 5. “After I was recognized, I misplaced myself,” says Uthayakumar. She appears to be like again on her most cancers remedy at Sick Children Hospital as a difficult time for her mentally. “I didn’t know how you can love myself and I felt totally different from different children,” she says.
Sports activities have all the time been a method for her to flee from the noise and negativity, however her dad and mom wished her to focus extra on her training. “I grew up with dyslexia, which made going to highschool a nerve-racking expertise,” says Uthayakumar. “It took me twice as lengthy to be taught issues, and I used to be bullied so much.”
After every thing Uthayakumar has been by, she has channelled her vitality into being a help system for these round her. “Operating is a protected area,” says Uthayakumar. “I run to characterize my individuals. I would like our voice to be heard—working is a sport for everyone.”
The 29-year-old is a member of the Brooks Run Glad Workforce, a Brooks-sponsored Canada-wide neighborhood workforce selling inclusivity and inspiring individuals to get out and run. “My aim is to encourage others to embrace working and be true to themselves,” she says. “It’s OK to have difficult days.”
On June 24, Uthayakumar will be part of hundreds of runners on the 2023 Delight and Remembrance 5K, in the identical neighbourhood the place she grew up. “The LGBTQ+ neighborhood embraces people from various backgrounds, reflecting the range of this metropolis,” says Uthayakumar. “That is my third 12 months as a Delight and Remembrance Run ambassador. I’m an ally, and can proceed to advocate for inclusion and variety. It’s necessary to understand everybody for who they’re.”
“My mantra is—reside life for you, and scream fortunately ever after.”
For extra data or to volunteer for the twenty seventh annual Delight and Remembrance 5K, go to right here.
