Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

First Healthy Lifestyle Walk/Run Event for MiCare Health Plan

Kolonia, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): October 29, 2011 - The inaugural featuring of the MiCare "Healthy Lifestyle" run/walk took place today from 7:00-10:00am and was met with what many observers indicated may have been the largest such fun-run event ever with a huge turn-out at the Palm Terrace parking lot.

The MiCare walk/run started and ended on the road between Bank of FSM and Palm Terrace and is one of a number of monthly road events that usually go through the same 5-kilometer course in Kolonia under the care of some volunteers such as Jim Tobin from the FSM National Olympic Committee and his staff who have been staging these kind of events for some time, along with Castro Joab, sports and activity coordinator for the College of Micronesia-FSM and some of his staff, officers of Pohnpei State Public Safety, and a few other community volunteers. The lead logistical planners for this one were Eusebio "Bong" Mangonon, Comptroller, and Olivier Wortel, Public Relations Specialist staff for MiCare, under the guidance of Administrator Nena S. Nena.

Administrator Nena has instigated the annual MiCare Healthy Lifestyle event in response to both directives from the Mori-Alik Administration and the MiCare Board for the nation's primary health insurance provider to become more proactive in the arena of prevention. MiCare will be undertaking this and other such community outreach programs throughout the nation in the months to come.

Nutritious local food refreshments were donated by the Island Food Community of Pohnpei, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community sub-regional office. Several organizations also provided local plantings and seedlings of banana, avocado, sour-sop, papaya and other local crops. MiCare medical staff, along with several private and public health service providers also conducted free medical check-ups prior and after the walk/run, and distributed free pedometers.

The morning fun run was attended by more than two-hundred early risers who were treated with some give-away raffle prizes, some excellent-looking t-shirts and colorful medals for 30 winners in various categories. Also attending this event were the Honorable Alik L. Alik, Vice President of the FSM, and Dr. Vita A. Skilling, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, FSM National Government, both of whom participated in handing out awards, and gave brief remarks on the importance of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise.

Mr. Terasaw, Counselor at the Japan Embassy, Mrs. Lori P. Dando, Charge' d 'Affairs at the United States Embassy, and Mr. Wen Zhencai, Counselor and Deputy at the People's Republic of China Embassy also assisted in sponsorship matters and showed up to participate in the run. Mr. Terasaw of Japan in fact came in first place in the Masters Division (age 50 and over), and 13th overall with a time of 24 minutes and 59 seconds. In all, the event was an excellent collaboration of NGOs, government and private sector partners.

Sponsors for this annual event are ACE Office Supply, ACE Hardware, Australian Embassy, Bank of FSM, Bank of Guam, Caroline Fisheries Corporation, China Embassy, Do-It-Best-Pohnpei, Drops of Life/Scooby's Wholesale, Reverend Eden Skilling, FSM Department of Health Services, FSM Bio-Terrorism Program, FSM National Olympic Committee, FSM Telecommunications Corporation, Genesis Hospital and Pharmacy, Island Food Community of Pohnpei, Japan Embassy, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Kaselehlia Dental Clinic, Kasio Mida, Jr., Leo Etscheit Foundation, MedPharm Clinic and Pharmacy, Moylan's Insurance, Nahlap Island Resort, Noli Villegas, Palm Terrace, Pohnpei Health Services, Pohnpei True Value, Senny's Enterprises, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, U.S. Embassy, Village Restaurant and Hotel, and Western Union/CTSI.

Jonathan Alegre, Bio-Engineer at MedPharm, was the official photographer for the event. For official results and more information, please contact MiCare staff at 320-5865 or the FSM National Olympic Committee staff at 320-8914.