The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority (SLASPA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs, successfully hosted its second annual “Walk 4 Miles” event on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The initiative, themed “Saving Lives, One Step at a Time,” brought together participants from across Saint Lucia for a powerful morning of physical activity and community support aimed at promoting healthy living and raising funds for the Faces of Cancer Society.
Natalie Girard, the coordinator of Walk 4 Miles, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“Walk 4 Miles was launched in 2023 as part of SLASPA’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Through this initiative, which is part of our CSR programme, we aimed to make a meaningful contribution to the Faces of Cancer Society. We understand that cancer treatment is costly, and many people struggle to afford the care they need. This event is our way of helping to support those in need and raise awareness about the importance of accessible cancer treatment,” Girard stated.
The event brought together individuals of all ages, each with their reasons for participating in the activity.
“I feel fantastic, full of energy. This is such a great event, and I think it should happen more often to encourage more people to get involved in healthy living. With so many young people now being affected by cancer, it’s important to show them that support is available and that they’re not alone in their fight.”
The morning culminated in the exciting conclusion of the walk, with participants celebrating their achievements and the collective effort to support a worthy cause.
The first-place winner of the walk shared his personal experience. “It feels great to win again. I won last year, but this time I was determined to make sure of it. I stayed focused on being in the proper lane and accelerated as soon as I straightened up on the runway, pushing hard until the finish. My only challenge was not knowing which exit to take, but once I was directed, I picked up the pace. Athletics is so important, whether it’s a walk or something else, take it seriously. Julien Alfred has shown us that nothing is impossible. Stay focused, stay determined, and see what you can achieve.”
The Walk 4 Miles event offers a one-of-a-kind health-focused experience on the Hewanorra International Airport runway. Through partnerships with organisations like the Ministry of Health, SLASPA continues to expand the event’s impact, encouraging more people to step up and contribute towards the journey.