NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In an effort to raise awareness about the way diabetes is affecting The Bahamas, the Sports Fellowship Institute, the Anoo Association and The Bahamas Diabetes Association is set to host the first “Walk It Off” road race next year.
The walkathon is set for January 5 and begins at the R.M. Bailey Park. It kicks off at 6:00 a.m. and the proceeds from it go towards aiding the Bahamas Diabetic Association.
“ANOO’s president Clinton Minnis said when they heard the appeal by BDA Director General Eugene Thurston, they quickly responded to lend their support in helping them to secure some much-needed financial assistance.
“We thought it was like the miracle in Miami,” Minnis said. “God was working on his behalf and he didn’t know it. So, this is something that is critical to the many persons who are affected by diabetics in our country.
“With the demographics of us being the sixth most obese country in the world, we have been challenged to lend support to the Bahamas Diabetic Association to help with their sustainable living platform to help our people live longer.”
Shantia Kerr, ANOOs vice president, said she encourages families, large groups and corporate offices to come out and participate.
“It’s a good way for us to kick off a good year of health awareness and to help us to sit fit for the upcoming year,” Kerr stressed. “We hope that everybody will be in good spirits out that morning. “It might be cool, but hopefully we can get in a good walk to start our year off right.”
The main objective of the event is to act as a support group for persons who are diagnosed with diabetes.
“On an annual basis, it takes about $100,000 to fully run this organization,” said BDA director general Eugene Thurston. “We’re not near that.” Categories include male and female 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 30-and-under, 40-and-under, 50-and-under, over-50 and over-70 age groups.
The entry fee is $15 for adults and $10 for students 11 years and younger. Proceeds from the event have been earmarked for the BDA.
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