Nam Runs Nam

In Term 3 of the last academic year, we hosted 'Nam Runs Nam Day' at the Junior and Early Years and Infant Campus. Children and staff were encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite sports person, sport or sports team along with a small donation. There were fitness and wellbeing activities running throughout the day, to promote health for body and mind. But what was this day in support of and what is 'Nam Runs Nam?

Ms Naomi Skinner (Nam) has been a primary school teacher for 13 years, spending the last 4 years teaching here at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City. Ms Naomi is now starting a new chapter as she takes on an incredible challenge: running the length of Vietnam to raise essential funds for charities across the country.  Let's find out more about Ms Naomi's epic adventure...

What is Nam Runs Nam?

Nam Runs Nam is a charity project linked to BIS and BVIS community partners in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. I will be attempting to run 2200km starting this Sunday 6th October, solo and unsupported, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I am raising funds for Vietnamese education and healthcare as well as reuniting trafficked women and children with their families.

I aim to run a half marathon, 5 days a week, over the course of 6 months. Along the way, I will pass through tiny rural communities, beautiful beaches as well as bustling towns and cities. 

What motivated you to take on this challenge?

I've always been sporty, but not really a runner so this is a huge challenge for me.

After 4 amazing years in Ho Chi Minh City, I wanted to try and give something back to the country that has hosted me and showed so much kindness over the years. 

How have you mentally and physically prepared for it?

I like to think I'm mentally quite strong and this has helped me to complete some hard challenges over the years. However, nothing on the scale of Nam Runs Nam! 

Physically, I've trained hard both in the gym and running on the streets. I've picked up a few injuries along the way but am hoping I will continue to overcome them! 

Tell us more about the charities you’re supporting..

The charities all support children and young adults to access education and provide life skills that will hopefully lead to employment in the future. Most of the charities are very small and any donations will make a huge difference to the children.

How can people support your cause?

Check out my website www.namrunsnam.com or follow me @namrunsnam on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to donate. You can even come and join me for a section along the way!

We're proud to celebrate and support this incredible challenge and can't wait to follow Ms Naomi's journey South to Saigon over the next 6 months.

#NamRunsNam