Ed Carey (second from left) leads a small entourage of Club 1600 officers and friends on the walk. Photo: Club 1600

Nassau, Bahamas - Dozens of Toastmasters and friends of the organization took to the streets recently to encourage family fitness and raise awareness for the nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

On Saturday, April 13, TM Club 1600 hosted the 32nd annual Ed Carey Boil Fish Run sponsored by Scotiabank and Onit Systems. The Bahamas Red Cross, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Curly's Restaurant provided much appreciated assistance. Nurses were also on hand to conduct free health screenings and blood pressure checks at the event.

"The event was a huge success and one of the largest turnouts that I have seen in years," said Mr Carey, a co-founder of the first Bahamas branch of Toastmasters. He served as the club's ninth president, leading Club 1600 in 1976.

In 2012, Mr Carey received recognition from the international organization when he was presented with the Founder's Award for dedicated service to his club. Toastmasters International has since created a district award in Mr Carey's honor. The eponymous award is for those who have displayed dedicated service to the organization.

The annual run held in the former president's honour is a big deal for the club.

"The aim of the event is to encourage Bahamians to pursue a more active lifestyle," says club president, Pedro Young. "Secondly, it reinforces our ties with members of the public through this community involvement."

The route is designed for optimum safety and enjoyment, according to vice president for membership and event organizer, Valentino Munroe. "It's a scenic route which takes participants down a beautiful stretch of Cable Beach," he said. "Whether participants ran, or walk we wanted them to feel relaxed and enjoy the exercise in a fun and safe environment."

Club 1600 vice president of public relations, Eddie Thurston (left) and participants enjoy boil fish and jokes after the fun/run walk. Photo: Club 1600

The walkathon stretched for four miles. Beginning at Curly's, participants headed east to the new Bah-Mar roundabout on the Cable Beach strip near The Bahamas Development Bank. They circled the roundabout and returned along the same route, proceeding to the roundabout near Sandals and heading east to end back at Curly's Restaurant.

Runner jogged a similar route. The 6.7 mile route, however, took them past The Bahamas Development Bank to the Goodman's Bay roundabout. They circled the roundabout and continued west to the roundabout near to the Marley Resort before heading east to end at Curly's.

After the fun run/walk, participants enjoyed boiled fish and Johnny cake.

"Toastmasters is an organization which tends to work behind the scenes," says vice president of public relations, Carlos Palacious. "People tend to see our fruits, that is, our polished speakers capable of mesmerizing an audience with a flawless delivery. However, we recognize the importance of the public seeing us as well as it helps us to build our membership base."

In fact, five Members of Parliament are members of Club 1600, including Prime Minister Perry Christie and deputy prime minister, Philip Davis. The latter is a past president of the club.

The all-male club meets every Thursday at 8pm at Superclub Breezes.

On Saturday, April 13, The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters (TM) Club 1600 hosted the 32nd annual Ed Carey Boil Fish Run sponsored by Scotiabank and Onit Systems with special aid provided by the Bahamas Red Cross and Curly's Restaurant. Pictured here are the various winners. Photo: Club 1600

The Winner's Circle

Runners
Male under 16 - Dennis Whymns
Male 16 to 49 - Roy Sanchez
Male over 50 - Anthony Longley

Female 16 to 49 - C. Sweeting
Female over 50 - Caroline Longley

Walkers
Male under 16 - Craig Ferguson Jr
Male 16 to 49 - Devon Lightbourne
Male over 50 - James Palacious

Female 16 to 49 - Cindy Palacious
Female over 50 - Janice Longley