Nassau,
Bahamas – Oniel Williams, who has spent the last six months training in Kenya
with Olympic champions and Mackey Williams, a runner who has been participating
in marathons since 1986, were the first runner and walker to cross separate
finish lines at Atlantic Medical’s 16th Annual Funwalk on Saturday.
The men were just two of 2,000 participants who
turned out for the annual event, which brings awareness to chronic diseases
like cancer and diabetes.
“I’ve
pretty much spent the last few months of my life with some great competition,” said
Oneil, who took part in the run – the first in Atlantic Medical’s Funwalk
history.
“I came out here just for a practice run. It
wasn’t really competition for me. From here, I will try to qualify for the
Commonwealth Games. That’s really why I’m home. So I figured since I’m here,
why not give back and train at the same time.”
Meantime, Mackey said the event was a great way
for him to train for more competitive races.
“This race has become a part of my training,” said
Mackey.
“I usually do long distance running. But I said
I will take part in this just to support the people. It’s also to encourage
others to know that their health is their wealth.”
The proceeds from the Funwalk go to
the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Diabetes Association.
Atlantic Medical Marketing Coordinator, Lisa
Bellot and Lynnaire Musgrove – members of the walkathon committee – organised
the event.
Atlantic Medical’s Business Development Manager,
Darren Bastian, who is also on the committee, said the yearly event continuously
attracts participants eager to get involved in what he describes as a “truly
worthy” cause.
“A lot of people in our country are affected by
those two diseases, cancer and diabetes. So, it makes sense for us to support
those two worthy charities. We’ve been doing it now for quite a while and over
the time, through this event, we and corporate Bahamas have helped to donate
hundreds of thousands of dollars to those charities. Atlantic Medical doesn’t
keep a penny.”
Many professional athletes lined-up at Montagu
Beach to pound the pavement.
Participants had a choice of two routes – one
for competitive walkers and runners and another for those keen on walking for
fun.
“When we
first started this event, we had many people with extra large T-shirts, but
today, years later, the shirts have gotten much, much smaller,” said Atlantic
Medical General Manager, Lynda Gibson.
“That’s an indication that for a lot of people
who have been walking with us, their lifestyle change has really improved their
overall well being. This is the message we want to give to the Bahamian
community.”
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) had
the most participants, followed by Scotiabank.
Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) General
Manager Kevin Basden was one of the many participants from corporate Bahamas.
“This is
something I definitely think we need more of in terms of the health and
wellness of the nation,” he said.
“You’re looking at two diseases which compact
the community at large. I think they are great charities, in terms of
donations. But the bigger picture is that we get the message across of the
health and wellness of our nation, in terms of diet and exercise.”
This year’s walk also saw a lot more men, youth
groups and sporting groups participate than usual.
Winning the ‘Over 60’ women’s walk category was
Delora Moncur of Scotiabank, who said she jogs just about every day and
believes that getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you have to slow down.
“For me, it’s always a joy,” she said. “I’m not
in a competition. I do it for myself. It’s all about a healthy lifestyle for
me. I enjoy looking and feeling good. Once we live life healthy, we live much
longer and we won’t have the problems of all the diseases that we experience if
we would eat properly and exercise like we should.”
Atlantic Medical is one of the leading insurance
agencies in the country.
