4th annual diabetes fun walk a success
|
|
|
Contact:
Lucius Doxerie
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 – The 4th Annual Diabetes Fun walk, held on Sunday, November 30, 2008, has been declared a success by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association (SLDHA). “We are saying it is a success because of there was increased registration and participation”, noted Mr. George Eugene, CEO of the Association. “The slogan for the walk was: No Child Should Die from Diabetes”
Some 390 persons registered for the walk. This was mainly due to the involvement of the Lions Club of Castries which held a registration drive on the William Peter Boulevard the Saturday before the event. However, 89 persons actually completed the walk. “For us this represents an increase from 73 who completed the walk last year and that is good news. It is wonderful because every new person who walks with us is joining the fight against diabetes,” said Eugene. In addition to the assistance of the Lions Club, this year's walk was sponsored by CFL-Super J and Caribbean Springs Water. CFL-Super J donated $10,000 and for every bottle of Caribbean Springs water sold, the D&L Association will receive one cent. Trophies were given to the first three finishers. First to finish was a brothers team of Neville and Kirby Dupre of Bagatelle followed by Charles Sayers who also received another trophy for the oldest male to first cross the finish line.
Other awards were presented to the oldest female to finish, Mrs. Aldora Laborde; the youngest male Aurin President (seven years), and the youngest female Claire-Marie Smartt (10 years).
Special awards were presented to the oldest diabetics male (Dr. Henry Hinds) and female (Catherina Smith) to finish the fun Walk.
All walkers received a “Strides Against Diabetes” pin from the Lions Club of Castries.
The Fun Walk brought the curtain down on Diabetes Awareness Month which began on November 1, 2008. One of the highlights of the Month was the lighting in blue of Government House to mark the importance of World Diabetes Day. Government House was one of hundreds of other historic and iconic buildings lit up in blue around the world.
In a brief address at the brief prize giving ceremony, Mr. George Eugene thanked all who participated and all who registered in support of the work of the Association. He also thanked all who contributed to making Diabetes Awareness Month a successful event. Said Mr. Eugene: “We can do with every bit of help that we can get. As a small organisation with a huge mandate and responsibility we continue to depend on the kindness of supporters and we want more if we can get it. This fight is not just for or about the association but also about ensuring St. Lucia’s health and well being today and in the future.”
Diabetes is the only non-communicable disease that has been recognized as posing as serious a global health threat as infectious epidemics like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. |
|
© 2008 Government Information Service. All rights reserved. Read our privacy guidelines. |
