The 4th Milky Way Run ended on Sunday. Participants of all ages ran, walked, cycled or rode in wheelchairs on thousands of paths across Croatia to support children with disabilities.
The head of UNICEF Croatia, Regina M. Castillo, said on Monday the enthusiasm and solidarity of all participants in recent weeks were almost incredible.
UNICEF will invest the money raised over three months to equip sensory rooms and educate experts who will conduct sensory integration therapy with children with disabilities.
This year's run saw the participation of 970 children, 21 associations, 58 companies and more than 50 public figures.
All the previous runs have been inclusive, but this year's run saw a large number of persons and children with disabilities, UNICEF said.
For children with disabilities, support from the earliest age means the difference between possibility and living on the fringe of society. Many still don't have the opportunity to develop their abilities and live a full life, Castillo said, adding that UNICEF would enable access to sensory therapy to families without it.
(€1 = HRK 7.5)