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SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day tomorrow
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Posted on May 09 2008
A Mother’s Day cake and cookies from Herman’s Bakery will greet mothers who take part in tomorrow’s 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day set along the scenic Saipan Beach Pathway.
The walk, organized by the Saipan Walking Association, Inc., starts at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan at 7am.
SAIWAI spokesman Mario Espeleta said the event will have participants walk southward to the Oleai bus stop and back for the 10-kilometer route, while five-kilometer participants only have to walk to the World War II Japanese Tank and back.
Sixteen members of the Nippon Turtle Club have already confirmed their attendance in the walk led by 86-year-old Jo Izuma. Izuma has been participating in the World Walking Day event the past several years.
Espeleta said SAIWAI is thrilled that this year’s SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day event coincides with Mother’s Day.
“The event coincides with the Mother’s Day so please bring your mothers and treat her to a healthy walk and get them special treats with early registration,” he said.
Registration fee for 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day with T-shirt is $8, while registration without T-shirt is $3.
Named after former first lady Sophia Tenorio, SOPHIA stands for Saipan Outdoor Physical Health Invigorating Adventure, while World Walking Day was initiated by the International Federation of Popular Sports and is celebrated in the month of May by IVV member countries and direct member clubs around the world.
Last year, the World Walking Day Walk attracted 102 participants, 20 of which were members of the Nippon Turtle Association.
Like all SAIWAI activities, IVV members will receive credit for joining the 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day. The IVV has member walking clubs in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, the CNMI, and 29 other European countries, including Germany.
For more information about SAIWAI and its future events, contact Mario at 322-8876, Hiroko at 322-8781, or Bea at 285-1694.
