Rotary Club hosts Zumba Dance-A-Thon to eradicate polio

The Rotary Club of Saipan held its first-ever Zumba Dance-A-Thon last Oct. 18, in honor of World Polio Day. The event was dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support the global fight against polio, a disease eradicated in the CNMI thanks to vaccination efforts.

The CHCC Public Health Immunization Office has confirmed that the CNMI remains polio-free due to the widespread administration of the polio vaccine.

Despite the economic challenges faced by many, the event garnered strong community support.

In an election year, where many organizations are also fundraising, Rotary Club members and supporters have united to ensure this cause receives the attention it deserves. “We have a community committed to health and wellness,” said Rotary Club president Joann Aquino. “Partnering with all Zumba instructors and fitness coaches from various groups allowed us to build goodwill and better friendships, while also promoting a great cause.”

The funds raised will be donated to the Rotary International Polio Plus Foundation, which focuses on providing vaccines to regions still affected by the disease. “Our goal is to contribute to a world free from polio,” Aquino stated.

This unique event brought together instructors and participants from across Saipan. Teams included Fitbeat Fitness Group led by coach Irene Holl, coach Joel Vallega, coach Moji De Luna, zin Helly Montes, zin Kazu Castro, zin Susan Galman, zin Art Salazar, and zin Zhang Chunhua; Gold’s Gym’s Zumba instructor zin Rhine Russell; Xtreme Fitness Group with zin Michelle C. Olita and zin/coach Angelo C. Galfo; M2 Fitness Group’s zin Mita Pelicano and zin Julie Harrison; 670 I Love Zumba Group’s instructor zin Marina Reyes; DC Classics instructor Dee Clayton; Zumba Fusion Fitness CNMI instructor zin Joann T. Aquino; and Zumba instructor zin Abby Whang.

The event was made possible thanks to the efforts of Rotary Club members, including Aquino, secretary Catherine Attao, past presidents Greg Borja, Irene Holl, and Sonya Dancoe, double past president Curtis Dancoe, and vice president Brian Clayton. Volunteers from the Rotaract Club of Saipan, led by president Genelin Camacho and advisor Rosalyn Ajoste, played a significant role, along with volunteers Enrico C. Morales, Evangeline Taitingfong, Simon Necesito, Jadrien Lotoc, Stephanie Sexon, Sharina Besmonte, and Patricia Borja.

Key sponsors for the event included the TSL Foundation, D&Q Distributors, Micronesian Brokers, Green Meadows School, Marianas Coffee, 38 Mitsubachi Pancake & Cafe, Gentle Brook Cafe, Megabyte of Saipan Inc., Latte Built Gym & Fitness Center, Miss Earth Northern Marianas, DC Classics, Sen. Edith DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan), and Mr. Danny Aquino.

This Zumba Dance-A-Thon followed a successful “End Polio Now Bike Challenge Race” held in January at Banzai Cliff, attended by District 2750 governor Yoichiro Miyazaki. With Rotary International’s Foundation Month coming up in November, Rotary encourages donations to further support the fight against polio and sustain ongoing efforts. Rotary’s mission, embodied in events like the Zumba Dance-A-Thon, is to create healthier, polio-free communities worldwide. As the Rotary Club of Saipan continues its campaign, it remains committed to partnering with the community and welcoming support from those who share the vision of a world without polio.