World Nordic Walking Day 22 May 2011



World Nordic Walking Day



New Zealand was the first country of the INWA members to celebrate World Nordic Walking Day.  The New Zealand event was held at the beautiful Acacia Cove Village, June Stevenson organised three walks along the Wattle Downs Peninsula followed by morning tea in the Acacia Cove Village Community Hall. Wattle Downs is located in Manukau City and Acacia Cove Village is a retirement village set in a lovely location with fabulous amenities, situated conveniently opposite Acacia Cove Golf Club.

A large group of about 50 Nordic Walkers from some of our walking groups gathered at the village and group photographs were taken outside in the sunshine. The walks were organised into 3 km, 5 km and 7 km walks, with most of our group opting for the 7 km walk along the Esplanade Reserve on a stunning Sunday morning led by Paul Stevenson, June’s husband.  The walkway is mainly flat and follows the coastal section adjacent to the Wattle Downs residential area of Manurewa and Papakura Stream.



Wattle Downs Walkway


The Wattle Downs walkway consists of the Esplanade reserve with two bigger reserves at Kauri Point and a Kaanapali Crescent. The reserves protect the local natural environment and provide access for the general public to the sea, rivers and lakes.

There were quite a few keen Nordic Walkers along the walkway, forming a sea of blue and pink with their Nordic Walking tee shirts which must have been quite a funny sight at 8.30 am on a sunny Sunday morning.


The Esplanade

After our walk we assembled in the Community Hall and watched on the big screen, the INWA President, Aki Karihtala give his World Nordic Walking Day Message (http://yousend.it/iuI8rD).  This was followed by speeches from some of our Nordic Walkers each talking about their experiences and what Nordic Walking meant to them. I was one of the speakers and the main message I wanted to give was that despite our different reasons for Nordic Walking, it’s successful for those who continue with it and because it’s a social activity, many people walk as a group - I think I’ve touched on this subject before in a previous blog.  Walking is great therapy whether walking alone or with company and to have fun and enjoyment with other people keeps us active and motivated. I find people like myself who prefer to walk alone as I often do, feel that Nordic Walking is their time to reflect and enjoy. Exercising gives us more time to put life into perspective and if our bodies feel healthier then our minds follow suit.



Team from North Shore Nordic Walkers

After the speeches spot prizes were announced and then we were treated to a presentation of latin and ballroom dancing by a young couple, Shae Mountain and Samantha Gemmell.  They are teenagers that have been dancing together for few years and have achieved quite a lot in such a short time.  It was an interesting choice of presentation for the celebration of World Nordic Walking Day, but I thought dancing was an excellent comparison. Dancing takes commitment, involves balance and good posture and is obviously physically demanding but when it’s done properly it looks effortless, feet in the correct position and never skipping a beat. Shae and Samantha looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves and that’s what Nordic Walking is all about; being outside, walking with your poles effortlessly, but burning all those calories and toning all that muscle. Although we really know it's mostly about having a ball, having fun, enjoying the way you exercise and committing to it. Oh and the coffees afterwards.



Sunny Sunday World Nordic Walking Day


World Nordic Walking Day was a great success in New Zealand, we woke up to a stunning day, we walked at a magnificent location and we all enjoyed ourselves.  Thank you to everyone who took part and made it a special celebration, and I'd like to say a very special thank you to June Stevenson for organising it and for her ongoing support and commitment to Nordic Walking. Thanks also to Paul for his presentation and enthusiasm.  I’m not sure what you’re going to organise for next year but World Nordic Walking Day 2011 is going be a tough one to follow in 2012.

Sources & Information:

http://www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz/
http://www.manukau.govt.nz/EN/Yourcommunity/ParksWalksBeaches/FindAPark/Pages/WattleDownsWalkway.aspx
http://www.dancesportauckland.org.nz/dancers.html#shae

Special thanks to Pam F for photographs, official photos available soon.