Rais take tape in Tinian Ayuda

Padam and Dil Kumari Rai made the most of their Saturdays last weekend as they led a crowd of 49 participants to take the tape as the top overall finishers in the respective men’s and women’s divisions of the Ayuda Fun Run on Tinian.

Padam Rai was the overall winner in the male division followed by Rajendra Risal in second and Nayandra Rai in third. On the women’s side, Dil Kumari Rai took top honors by taking the tape as the first overall female finisher, but she was chased by second-place finisher Nayarani Pandey and third-place finishers Julita Diaz all the way to the line. Yolly Barcinas, Maria Cruz, Vicenta Villagomez, and Lucy King were also awarded medals for staying a step ahead of the competition in their respective age categories.

Adults of all ages participated in the Marianas Visitors Authority-sponsored event with a variety of goals in mind. While the Rais were intent on earning the cash prizes and medals, others were motivated by the notion of promoting a healthy lifestyle, and others came to show their support of the official beneficiaries of the proceeds from the event—the Tinian man’amko.

While many of the race day participants took the opportunity to give to a good cause, managing director of the MVA Vicky Benavente said that most of the man’amko participants received support in the form of sponsorship from a number of officials and employees of the Tinian Mayor’s Office.

“We would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this year’s event successful,” Benavente said.

All of the Ayuda Fun Runs are open to runners and walking enthusiasts alike, and next weekend the people of Rota get their chance to participate on Saturday, May 28, when the run will begin from Rota Leadership Park to Songsong Nicolas Bridge and back.

The MVA coordinates the annual event on behalf of all of the non-profit organizations in the community that will benefit from the run—the CNMI Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Make A Wish Foundation, the Tinian Manamko Center, and the Rota Junior High School National Forensic Team.

Organizers see the Ayuda Fun Run as an excellent opportunity to bring the people in the community together while raising money for worthy causes.

The cost to take part in the activity is $15, and applications may be picked up at the Rota office of the MVA, and race day registration will be open from 5:15am to 5:45am at the Rota Leadership Park, with race starting at 6am.

There will be cash prizes awarded for the top three overall winners in each of the 12-and-under, 13-19, 20-49, and 50-and over categories.

For further information about the Ayuda Fun Runs or about any of the upcoming activities sponsored by the MVA, contact Vicky Benavente by calling 664-3200/3201, via facsimile at 664-3237, or via email at either www.mymarianas.com or mva@mymarianas.com.