On Sunday 24th October, known globally as World Polio Day the Rotary Club of Tortola Staged and Aquathon at Beef Island.
The 800m swim and 5km run event was geared towards raising awareness in our community that there are still two countries in the world where poliomyelitis (polio) virus is considered endemic. Rotary has been on a quest for the last 30+ years to rid the world of polio through vaccinations and has almost completed its mission.
“Unless polio is eradicated, it is projected that within 10 years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. In the past few years, only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until every child is vaccinated.” endpolio.org
Funds raised and pledged at the event will be sent to Rotary International in supporting the End Polio Campaign. Learn more at www.endpolio.org
Aquathon Results:
Mark Stephenson 38:27; Tash Rushenski 43:07; Greg O’Keefe-Davis 43:36; Johanna Murphy 44:25; Michael Killhoury 44:41; Adrian Dale 46:41; Kay Reddy 50:54; Barry Jones 59:08
Run only Results:
Adenike Flax 28:40; Kelvin Liburd 40:56
Five Facts about Polio:
- Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
- There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
- Only two countries remain endemic: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- With the help of Rotary and other volunteers, polio cases were reduced by 99.9% since 1988.
- Until polio is eradicated, every child is STILL at risk.
About World Polio Day:
World Polio Day” (October 24) is recognized every year. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the poliomyelitis (polio) virus and the effects it has on young individuals nervous systems. This virus cripples persons under the age of 5, immobilizing them. Rotary’s involvement started in 1985 and has battled ever since, highlighting global efforts toward a polio-free world and honouring the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the globe.
