Over 300 participants turned out for the second Babonneau Fun Walk held on the May Day Holiday, for a challenging two-hour walk designed to promote healthy lifestyles.Among the walkers were the district’s Member of Parliament, Ezechiel Joseph, junior karatekas, athletes, sporting and other health and fitness enthusiasts of Babonneau and beyond.

This year the focus was on diabetes and hypertension. At the end of the walk the St Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association did free testing and provided advice on leading healthier lives.The 2008 Nature Valley Babonneau fun walk began as a gentle trek from the Babonneau Primary School, through the communities of Cabishe, Balata, Union and right along the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School through Grande Riviere. The real challenge began up the Grande Riviere and Monier hills, but eased once the walkers had gone past Pork Palace and down through La Croix Chaubourg and back to Babonneau. The walk began shortly after 6am and was greeted by fine weather.

The St Lucia Moto X Club along with the Royal St Lucia Police Force, who both volunteered their services free of charge, provided the outriders who controlled the flow of traffic and ensured the safety of the participants. The activity was organized by the Babonneau Focus Fitness Centre and the Hattsuryo Martial Arts Temple and this year was supported by a number of organizations and individuals.

Super J Supermarkets, suppliers of Nature Valley, were the main sponsor of the event, along with Cable and Wireless who have supported the Fun Walk from inception. Also supporting the Nature Valley Babonneau fun walk were the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, The Motor X Club, the Member of Parliament Ezechiel Joseph and Aplough Supermarket among many others. Trophies and medals were donated by the Ezchiel Joseph and Levern Spencer, St Lucia’s current Sportswoman of the year, a resident of Babonneau. Spencer’s special trophies for inspired performances during the walk were presented by her mom.