Resident who ‘walked to PEI’ feted with congratulations and cake

More than 100 Prince Edward County residents who donned their sneakers to accept a 1,530 km walking challenge promoting exercise and the indoor track at the Wellington arena were honoured Monday.

The equivalent distance of walking to PEI (7,463 laps of the track) was in honour of the Canada 150 celebration, and the third walking challenge hosted by the Wellington and District Community Centre. The first was to ‘Walk a Marathon during the Olympics’, followed by the equivalent distance to walking around the County.

Twenty-seven participants completed the challenge and received certificates in honour of their achievement. They, and those who partially completed the walk, were congratulated by organizer Lisa Lindsay, the County’s Manager of Community Centres and Events.

Walking around and around in a temperature-controlled environment can be boring, noted Lindsay so the “measurable” walk to PEI, and last year, around the County, helps participants to feel they are going somewhere.

“Some didn’t complete the whole walk but wherever they did make it to – Quebec City, or Frederickton, or wherever they did end up, it’s somewhere, and that’s the whole idea of this walking challenge – to keep you going.”

Lisa Lindsay and Robert Quaiff carved up the celebration cake.

“The purpose is also for people to know there is a very safe, temperatured-controlled place with services and washrooms here at the arena for them to be able to use this beautiful facility,” said Lindsay, thanking the participants for being advocates of the track.

Presenting certificates to the participants was Mayor Robert Quaiff’s last official duty before his leave begins Tuesday to allow him to campaign to become the member of provincial parliament for the new Bay of Quinte riding in the June 7 election.

“You’ve walked 1,530kms, I think I did 1,300 last week (on the campaign trail)… at least it feels that way,” he joked. “That’s quite an accomplishment and it’s great to see so many people participate in this,” said Quaiff. “This is a great walking track here and we are looking at adding another walking track – seasonal – around the Picton arena. There is more focus around exercise and better health benefits which is is pretty important, key for us. So good for you. That’s quite an accomplishment being able to commit to that and congratulations.”

He presented certificates to those who completed the walk, including: Dave Ford, Donna Mae Ford, Gail Fox, Nancy Bontje, William Michell, Ralph Hall, Daniel Rolfe, Peggy Gross, mary Latchford, Heather VanVlack, Tracey Kelly, Wendy Channell, Jenny Craif, Frank Creamer, Jill McMullin, Vere Stark, Marg Knight, Bob Latchford, David Hawkins, Bommie Lewis, Jill Hancock, Lee Ramsbottom, Susanne Gallant, Sheila Parent, Terry Ross, Bopmnie Dayton and Fran Morton.

Another reward for participants – cake – was served following the presentation of certificates, though some walkers promised they would be heading back to the track before they left, to walk it off.