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Mothers to be honored in May 11 walk
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Posted on May 03 2008
The Saipan Walking Association, Inc. will honor mothers during its 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day next Sunday, May 11, along the scenic Saipan Beach Pathway.
According to SAIWAI secretary Mario Espeleta, registration will start at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan at 7am. The event calls for participants to walk southward to the Oleai bus stop and back for the 10-kilometer route, while five-kilometer participants only have to walk to the World War II Japanese Tank and back.
Sixteen members of the Nippon Turtle Club are expected to take part in the walk, according to SAIWAI vice president Yoichi Matsumura. The club will be led by 86-year-old Jo Izuma, who has been participating in the World Walking Day event the past several years.
Espeleta also invited mothers of all ages to sign up for the 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day.
“The event coincides with the Mother’s Day so please bring your mothers and treat her to a healthy walk and get them special treats with early registration,” he said.
Registration fee with T-shirt is $8, while registration without T-shirt is $3.
Named after former first lady Sophia Tenorio, SOPHIA stands for Saipan Outdoor Physical Health Invigorating Adventure, while World Walking Day was initiated by the International Federation of Popular Sports and is celebrated in the month of May by IVV member countries and direct member clubs around the world.
Last year, the World Walking Day Walk attracted 102 participants, 20 of which were members of the Nippon Turtle Association.
Like all SAIWAI activities, IVV members will receive credit for joining the 9th Annual SOPHIA Walk and World Walking Day. The IVV has member walking clubs in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, the CNMI, and 29 other European countries, including Germany.
For more information about SAIWAI and its future events, contact Mario at 322-8876, Hiroko at 322-8781, or Bea at 285-1694.
