MAY PEN, Clarendon — The Lionel Town Hospital is the beneficiary of Jamalco’s 2013 Alcoans in Motion (AIM) fitness fund-raiser event, according to a news release circulated here.

The release said 151 members of the Jamalco workforce and representatives from 17 local companies in Clarendon “wrapped up their jobs early and got physical for charity” at the Jamalco Employees’ Sports Club.

In recognition of teams participating in the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC), this year’s activity not only involved a lapathon (run and walk) and an aerobics marathon, but fun team events — tug-o-war, lime and spoon and math races. The fund-raiser was geared towards raising $500,000 to assist the Lionel Town Hospital to expand and upgrade the medical records department.

The release said participation of Jamalco team members secured a grant of US$2500 for the hospital from the Alcoa Foundation and other participating companies raised another J$225,000.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Corporate Services and Gov’t Affairs Manager Leo Lambert said AIM is a unique way of getting fit while raising funds for the Lionel Town Hospital. “We selected this hospital because we believe it is a worthy cause and one which will enhance the health facility,” he said.

Guest Speaker and Director of Human Resources and Industrial Relations at the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Nicolette Thomas-Edwards said the partnership is useful as the health sector alone cannot handle the numerous responsibilities. “This synergy and symbiosis demonstrated by Alcoans in Motion will go a far way in enhancing the health status of the people of Clarendon. That we are participating in this lapathon and aerobics marathon is indicative of pre-emptive health practices, a most desirable way to go,” she said.

Director of Operations and Maintenance Herschel Ishmail expressed appreciation on behalf of the SRHA, noting that this act of volunteerism and benevolence will facilitate improved delivery of quality health care in the region and specifically the parish of Clarendon.

The lapathon consisted of 10 laps of the 400m field and participants had the option to run or walk. In the walk race Errol Bucknal of Mobile Equipment Repairs (MER) emerged winner. Michael Mitchell (Trevor Dunkley & Co.) was the first runner to cross the finish line in the run race.

The aerobics marathon was very intense and participants were expected to keep up with the aerobics team. The exercise routines were too much for many and before long only six persons were left in the challenge. At the end of the competition Summer Intern (Process Control) Craig Williams took the top spot.

Prizes were also awarded to teams participating in the team events as well as Herve Dean (Mines), the employee present who had completed the most GCC steps during the day.

A mini concert culminated the event. Entertainment included performances from local talents Kashu and Droop Lion.

The AIM event is part of Alcoa’s company-wide initiative, designed to get ‘Alcoans’ worldwide involved in fitness activities while raising funds for charity.