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Despite low turnout, kids enjoy Hafa Day
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Posted on Nov 30 2008
Eight-year old Sonia Rabauliman of Oleai Elementary School was not only happy to share the experiences she had. The outspoken 2nd Grade student also had a fitting message for the day’s fun and activities.
“I learned many things today. We must eat good food to stay healthy,” she said while participating in the second annual Hafa Day Health Awareness and Fitness Activities at the Garapan Central Park last Friday.
Both Rabauliman and 6-year old Cassidy Jade Aaron said they joined the mini soccer fun but liked the shark attack game just like the other kids who showed up.
George Cruz, chair of the Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition that organized the event, said the turnout was very disappointing because just half the number of students that participated last year (125) showed up this time.
“We only had about 50 to 60 today,” Cruz said, despite the invitations that were sent to various schools on Saipan.
Other agencies involved were Marianas Health Services, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, Community Guidance Center, Ayuda Network, Department of Public Safety and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc.
Part of the observance of Diabetes Month, the five-hour event aimed to show students, their parents and teachers different ways to stay active, with a focus on prevention rather than intervention.
The students ranged in ages from 4 to 17.
Cruz stressed the need for people to stay active while they are young because younger people tend to recover faster from common sickness like flu.
For 17-year old Samantha Calvo of Marianas High School, she is just enjoying the fun of it.
“We are doing different games. It’s a hard thing but it is still fun. I learned about teamwork and that fitness is important,” she said.
