World Walking Day Walk attracts 102 participants

Saipan Walking Association, Inc.’s World Walking Day Walk along the Saipan Beach Pathway last Sunday attracted 102 participants, 20 of which were members of the Nippon Turtle Association.

SAIWAI spokesperson Mario Espeleta said of the 102 that signed up for the event, 40 tackled the 10-kilometer walk north toward Puerto Rico and back with the rest opting for the shorter five-kilometer course, which had its turnaround at the junction of the Boating Safety Office at Smiling Cove Marina.

Aside from the 20 Japanese walkers, which included the event’s oldest participant, 85-year-old Jo Izumi, the walk also drew American, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Chamorro and Carolinian participants.

Espeleta said SAIWAI was elated for the participation of the Nippon Turtle Association, as they not only showed strong support to the island’s World Walking Day celebration but also managed to challenge the “local” walkers into increasing their usual pace.

The event was also extra special for Joe and Salve Race who celebrated their wedding anniversary. A handful of mothers also celebrated Mother’s Day with a healthy jaunt together with their loved ones along Saipan’s famous footpath.

After the event, participants were treated to an island-style barbecue that consisted of green salad, red rice, spare ribs and chicken barbecue, hotdogs, fruits, yakisoba, among others.

While dining at the Chamolinian Cultural Village, the participants were entertained by a local dance performed by Cultural Production Inc. with live music performed by Joe Limes and company. The festivity ended with the cultural dancers, guest walkers, and local participants dancing to the tune of “Cha-Cha.”

Espeleta thanked all participants to the World Walking Day Walk and congratulated everyone for finishing.

He also gave kudos to the Nippon Turtle Association for gracing the event. Incidentally, SAIWAI gave the group a sister club resolution and plaque of recognition for their participation.

Like all SAIWAI activities, IVV members received credit for joining the World Walking Day Walk. 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.

The next event in SAIWAI’s calendar is the 5th Pan Pacific IVV Saipan Festival-Aqua Walk set for June 10.

For more information about SAIWAI and its future events, contact Mario at 322-8876, Hiroko at 322-8781, or Bea at 285-1694.

SAIWAI was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on July 27, 2001 and was established to promote public health through non-competitive walking.