 The focus in this tenth year of the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon is giving; giving to charitable organisations, and so, the Marketing and Communications Office team came up with a plan to invite 10 people to champion 10 charities and to encourage the public, as well as staff and students to pledge $10 towards one of these people and the money would go towards their chosen charity.
The 13.1 mile journey, beginning at 10 minutes to six o’ clock, will use the Priority Bus Route up to La Resource and loop back to the finish at UWI SPEC.
The University’s Registrar, Clement William Iton has agreed not only to champion a charity, but to take part in the half-marathon as well. Editor, Vaneisa Baksh, put these mini marathon questions to him.
1. What is the charity to which you are affiliated?
My wife’s NGO, Arts Insight, which seeks to empower differently abled persons.
2. What made you decide to participate as one of the Ten in this half-marathon?
The Director of SPEC called and asked if I would participate and I reluctantly agreed as I have never ventured there.
3. How would you describe your outlook on life?
I am an eternal optimist. I look for the good in people and situations.
4. What would you say is your daily motto or mantra?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
5. What would you say is the most important aspect of your role as University Registrar?
Serving all the various stakeholders, especially the students, employees, the Vice-Chancellor and the Chancellor.
6. You’ve brought a refreshing flamboyance to your position, has your approach brought any challenges?
Refreshing Flamboyance! I am the same Will Iton that I’ve been since I discovered myself. I don’t take things personally and I can laugh at myself. Having said all that, I work hard at getting the desired results.
7. What advice would you give to a student in terms of choosing a career?
Do something that you really like.
8. How do you keep yourself fit?
I play tennis as often as Professor Al Wint, i.e. nearly every day. I swim in the sea at least twice per week, I go to the gym at least three times per week, and I walk my dogs several miles on the weekends. I have nine big dogs (Mastiffs).
9. Have you ever run in a marathon or distance event?
No, but my twin brother [Wain] has and I followed him to the finish line.
10. Would you say you are an athlete or sportsman?
Yes. I still play competitive tennis. I ran in the inaugural Carifta Games circa 1971. I played schoolboy’s football for St Vincent Boys’ Grammar School and Queens College (Guyana). I almost forgot I was the national table tennis champ for St Vincent for many years and represented St Vincent at Windward Island Championships and Caribbean Championships.
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