SOPHIA Walk on May 20
Health enthusiasts, people who have a passion for walking and those who just love to contribute to a charitable cause are encouraged to participate in the 3rd Annual SOPHIA Friendship Walk set for May 20.
The walk would start from the American Memorial Park to the Saipan Grand Hotel and will utilize the scenic seven-kilometer path along Beach Road.
According to event organizer JM Guerrero, walkhaton events like SOPHIA are very popular in Japan. He said there was even one event where a total of 15,000 people participated.
The one-time Marinas Visitors Authority managing director hopes the popularity of the activity would also take root in the CNMI and someday make it another tourist attraction for the Commonwealth.
Guerrero said the SOPHIA Friendship Walk has four goals. Its first goal is to help promote the island as a “sports and leisure destination”; the second is to imbibe friendship between Japan and the Northern Marianas; third, to add another event for tourists and residents alike to enjoy; and fourth, to advance physical health and mental well being.
During last year’s inaugural event, some 100 people participated in the fund-raising activity. This year, Guerrero hopes to draw more than 200 participants to the SOPHIA Friendship Walk. The walk is expected to start around 6:30am and finish at no later than 9:30am.
Participants to the event would have to donate $25, which would cover a T-shirt, a certificate and medal and entitles them to partake of an island-style barbecue and enjoy entertainment after the walk.
SOPHIA, short for Saipan Outdoor Physical Invigorating Adventure, is being organized by Taga, Inc. and is co-sponsored by the MVA, JM & Associates, Saipan Tribune and the Department of Public Safety.
Registration forms are available from any of the following establishments – JM & Associates, MVA and at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym c/o Bill Sakovich.
