CORNER BROOK — Neville Greeley has earned the title of the province’s first “super mayor” from the Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador.
There were 20 mayors in the province who polished off their sneakers and wore a pedometer for one week in the super mayor’s challenge as part of the Parkinson SuperWalk. Corner Brook’s honour was defended by Greeley’s feet, according to a press release from the provincial chapter of the society.
Greeley walked all over his competitors with 130,105 steps recorded on his pedometer. Corner Brook’s mayor reported working hard for the honour with “…several hours of steady walking in airports, at beaches, up mountains, and in cities on two separate continents.”
Greeley was visiting Bolivia during the week as part of a provincial business tour. However, he remained dedicated to his commitment. He tweeted updates and step counts while travelling there on the social network Twitter.
His closest competitor was Burin Mayor Kevin Lundrigan with 115,189 steps.
“Our primary goal was to bring attention to Parkinson’s, but we also wanted to reinforce the importance of exercise in coping with Parkinson’s,” Patricia Morrissey, the executive director, said. “Studies have shown that people with Parkinson’s who exercise fare better than people who do not. The mayors’ enthusiastic participation helped us in getting out this message.”
Every September, Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador holds SuperWalk in support of its education, support services and research programs.
In September more than 13,000 walkers in 90 communities across Canada, including six communities in this province, will gear up to do their part to reach the $3 million target for the Parkinson SuperWalk event. The event in Corner Brook is Sunday, with registration starting at 1 p.m., at the Pepsi Centre.
To register online for your local SuperWalk and begin fundraising, visit www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca. For more information, call 1-800-567-7020 or 754-4428.
