By Matt High, Athletics Program Coordinator

The Cultural and Human Services Department at the City of Sunny Isles Beach sponsored a walking club that was open to anyone that wanted to get fit. The participants started walking on January 14th and concluded on March 21st. The group met every Monday and Friday from 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM at Town Center Park. We had the largest turnout ever paving the way for some fit individuals.

One time around Town Center Park is equivalent to 400 meters (one fourth of a mile). The group started out the first week doing four laps (1 mile) and eventually walked 6 laps for a distance of a mile and a half. They proved to be warriors, finding ways to push themselves to achieve their individual goals. It was a perfect way to enjoy camaraderie with old friends while making new ones.

We had some elite walkers that attended every session and made the Gold Club. Those participants were Andree Demers, Elaine Mischler, Walter Mischler, and Anthony Senzamici. Congratulations to these walkers. This will start a new era with the walking club. We want to have more participants next year to join the Wall of Fame at Pelican Community Center with their names inscribed on a perpetual plaque.

Elaine and Walter Mischler were the group leaders and organized the group, motivating everyone to complete their laps on a daily basis. They did a fabulous job. We hope to see them again next year.

Again, I would like to commend everyone for walking and making this the best walking club in Sunny Isles Beach. Congratulations!!! Have a safe and fun summer and we’ll see everyone next year.

Check the city’s website (www.sibfl.net) or the city’s cable access channel 77, SIB TV, for updates on programs offered by the Cultural and Human Services Department, 305.792.1706.