Spring Break
ECU's got sole
Max Lemanowicz
Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: News
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Just before the walk, speakers gave brief introductions about the importance of heart disease prevention and the need for people to participate in physical activity.
Kemal Atkins, vice provost for Student Affairs, led the discussion along with Neswill Randall of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
The walk began shortly after the speakers finished and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. Walkers started in the Rotunda at the bottom of the Student Recreation Center, took a rectangular path, went up to Fifth Street, stopped right around the Spilman Building at Founders Drive, proceeded down to the Flanagan Building and then crossed back over to the Rec. Center.
Tyler Warren, a fitness intern with Campus Recreation and Wellness, led the participants on the walk, where they collected 60 pairs of shoes. Approximately 50 people participated in the roughly one mile trek.
"The walk combined the importance of physical activity and community service by getting the ECU Greek life involved," said Tara Smith, assistant director for Nutrition Services at ECU.
A competition was held between ECU Greek Life members and the winner is to receive a plaque for donating the most shoes.
Delta Zeta won the competition by providing 25 pairs out of the total 60 pairs of shoes collected for needy kids. These shoes will be donated to local schools in eastern North Carolina.
"It was really enjoyable and easy philanthropy for us," said Lauren Griffin, member of Delta Zeta.
Smith feels confident that the shoes are in fact going to the right place.
"We have contacts with some social workers and schools to make sure that the shoes get to the appropriate people," Smith said.
The Heart and Sole Walk was one of many in a series of events that Campus Recreation and Wellness has initiated this month through the "Wear Red for Women" program.
"The purpose of the 'Wear Red' events is to raise awareness about heart disease in women because it affects us so much," Smith said.
Along with the Heart and Sole Walk, a simultaneous event took place in the Rotunda that also encouraged the prevention of heart disease in women.
The Healthy PIRATES Student Organization held a program called "Stress and your Heart." After the educational portion was completed, participants were able to create their own stress balls out of balloons and sand.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
For more information on health events sponsored by Campus Recreation and Wellness visit ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/crw/programs/campuswellness, or contact Tara Smith by office at 328-5791 or by e-mail at smithtara@ecu.edu.
This writer may be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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