The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Mid Isle proudly hosted its annual Ramesh Manek End Polio Now Walkathon on Saturday, October 25th, in observance of World Polio Day (October 24th). The event brought together approximately 85 participants , including special guest District 7020 Governor William “Bill” Aiken, in a powerful show of solidarity to eradicate polio worldwide.
Walkathon participants received commemorative End Polio Now T-shirts with their ticket purchase and were treated to a delicious local breakfast, generously sponsored by Mid Isle Rotarians.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported this initiative—whether by walking, donating, or volunteering,” said Rotary Project Director Yvette Hart. “Your contributions are helping us move closer to a polio-free world.”
All proceeds from the walkathon will be donated to PolioPlus, Rotary International’s flagship program, to end polio. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s 2-to-1 match, every dollar raised will be tripled, amplifying the impact of each contribution.
Polio remains endemic in only two countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan—where challenging health systems and security concerns make vaccination efforts difficult. Funds raised not only support vaccine distribution but also cover essential logistics such as transportation and equipment.
The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Mid Isle remains committed to the global fight against polio and thanks the community for its continued support.
