From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Toastmasters step out to raise awareness in Bahamas
By Precision Media
Apr 22, 2013 - 12:39:38 PM
Ed Carey (second from left) leads a small entourage of Club 1600 officers and friends on the walk.
Photo: Club 1600
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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
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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
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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
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