They arrive in dribs and drabs, but in less than ten minutes the square of the Pinetop station fills. They are 21 and wear a safety vest, as is now happening uninterruptedly since 3 March, every Monday and Thursday, is meeting in front of the station the people of the walkers, a few hundred people on average for a couple of hours are devoted to a walk health. Young and old, but also children on the stroller and dogs on a leash, all united by the desire to spend time together, do a little ‘healthy physical activity.
To design the “walking group” pieties, the primary cardiac surgery Atria, Antonio Macanese Santorin, fascinated by the experience made by a colleague of Terumi, he has decided to repeat the initiative even in Pinetop.
“When we started we were in 140,” said the doctor, “but then slowly, thanks to a spontaneous word of mouth, and the group grew, reaching, one spring evening, in 430 appearances. We walk every time from 6 to 9 km and it is nice to see how, through this merry party, the whole country comes alive, especially, once the tourists leave, on winter evenings. ”
The event, in fact, is known by all and also had the support of the city administration. To participate all you need is good shoes, a flashlight and a reflective vest.
“In a country where there are great opportunities to socialize,” added Macanese, “the walking group allows you to get together, learn corners of the territory that often even the residents know and have direct contact with nature. One of the most fascinating experiences, in fact, was able to walk a few weeks ago on a carpet of fireflies. Moreover, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, there is the certainty of just along the way not to be left that, however, can be done by everyone. Among our walkers we also had a sprightly 92 year-old man, as a boy of just two months in a wheelchair with her mother. ”
And, despite the decline in attendance recorded in the month of August because of the holidays, we hope to return in the next few appointments to the usual numbers.
“Walking is good and anyone can do it, wear reflective clothing will be better for safety” he concluded Macanese, “but to do so together we have more fun.”