THE St Lucia Youth on Parade (SYTOP) Drug Free Club in collaboration with the Free Winds Cruise Ship hosted its first Walkathon on 25th February.
According to the organisers, the activity was part of the club’s mission to educate all citizens, especially the youth on the knowledge of substances that are foreign and detrimental to the human body.
Well known examples include the consumption of alcohol, and or the intake of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 drugs as classified by the US Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
Recent data from a US 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has identified a correlation between substance abuse and mental health issues.
In addition, according to the National Institution on Drug Abuse (NIH), there is also a link between substance addiction and associated health issues including common illnesses.
Therefore, the main objective of the Walkathon exercise was to educate the public on the use and misuse of these substances, and additionally remind them that there are always consequences to their actions.
The Walkathon was well planned and successfully executed. A warm up routine consisting of simple stretches and basic exercises was initiated by one of the Bois D Orange, Gros Islet participants, Jean. The safety of the exercise was reinforced by the presence of two police motorcycle outriders and members of the St. Lucian Red Cross Ambulance Services.
Captain Weber of the FreeWinds Ship and members of his crew directly participated in the activity and distributed book literature on known drugs of abuse. The ship crew also handed out T-shirts and caps during the Walkathon activity.
A few representatives from different groups participated in the event. These groups included the Gros Islet Youth and Sports Council and the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC).
Several teachers and students from various schools also participated in the activity. These included but was not limited to Morne Du Don Primary School, St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, and Castries Comprehensive Secondary School.
The overall consensus was that the activity was a venture filled with purpose, community spirit and a group engagement in healthy exercise. Recognition trophies and participation medals were presented to winners in various categories.