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Fort Liard hosts diabetes awareness run Forty-nine participants walk, bike and run at Sept. 7 event
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, September 12, 2013
ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD
People walked, biked and ran through Fort Liard on Sept. 7 to raise awareness about diabetes.
Melissa Bertrand and her daughter Jonalizza were among the participants in The North West Run for Diabetes in Fort Liard put on by the Northern store on Sept. 7. - photo courtesy of Amy Thomas
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Forty-nine people of all ages participated in The North West Run for Diabetes put on by the Northern store. The North West Company, which owns the chain, began organizing the runs last year and more stores are organizing events in their communities this year, said Anna Sahadat, the store manager in Fort Liard.
This was Fort Liard's first time hosting the event.
"It's something we are pushing towards," she said.
The run is designed to be an education awareness campaign about diabetes and its effects. Before the run, the Northern partnered with Dehcho Health and Social Service to hold two workshops on diabetes for students at Echo Dene School.
On Sept. 3, Alma Jumbo, a community health representative, spoke with students in Grade 8 and grades 9 to 11 about diabetes while the Northern store provided healthy snacks. A workshop for adults was held on Sept. 5.
On the day of the run, participants gathered outside the Northern store on the hamlet's main street. With temperatures in the high 20s, a slight breeze and no bugs, it was a perfect day for the event, Sahadat said.
There were three routes for participants to choose from, a five-kilometre event, a 2.5-kilometre event or a 1.5-kilometre kids fun run. It was a family event with many people bringing children out in strollers, said Sahadat.
Sahadat said she was delighted with the support that was shown for the run.
"The response that we got from the community and beyond was phenomenal," she said.
Approximately 20 people volunteered during the event, many of whom also participated in the run. Five students from the school ran a water station where participants could get hydrated, and the Fort Liard Volunteer Fire Department had two members on hand to provide first aid if needed.
Three members of the Fort Liard RCMP detachment also assisted with the run. The officers helped map out the routes and one rode a bike during the race to help keep participants on track.
"It was very nice," Cpl. Monica Schimanke said of the run.
It was great to see the community turn-out that the event created, she said.
After the run, the participants gathered back at the store for healthy snacks, including fruit, vegetables and yogurt drinks. Sahadat said she hopes to make the run an annual event in the hamlet.
"Hopefully we can build on this year and do better next year," she said.
The run has become part of The North West Company's commitment to diabetes research. At Christmas time, Northern stores participate in the Gift of Hope campaign that raises funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
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