Bud Miller Park will be a hub of activity Saturday morning, as nearly 500 people put their footsteps to pavement and join the fight against MS.  The Enerflex MS Walk is the Lloydminster Chapter’s signature fundraising event, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars for MS research and local programs for people affected by the disease.  While participant numbers are down slightly from last year, organizers are optimistic that their fundraising goals are still attainable.

“Lloydminster is a tremendous city – whenever its residents hear a call to action, they deliver.  It’s the reason why our Walk has consistently broken fundraising and participant records year-over-year, and why we believe we can still reach our $190,000 mark for 2010,” says Johanna Green, Executive Director of the Lloydminster Chapter.  The 2009 Walk generated an unprecedented $174,000, boasting a record 563 participants.   

Opening ceremonies will get underway at the Lakeland College Gymnasium on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 9:00 am, with words of welcome from local dignitaries including Alberta Minister and MLA Lloyd Snelgrove, Saskatchewan MLA Tim McMillan and Alderman Larry Sauer.  There will be two official Walk Send-Offs, with the 10km Walkers setting off at 9:40 am; followed by the 1 and 5 km Walkers at 10:20.  Local dignitaries will be joining the 9:40 send-off and have agreed to take on the ‘MS Symptoms Challenge’, during which each of them will experience a simulated MS symptom.  From blurred vision and heavy limbs to having to negotiate the 1km course in a wheelchair, they will get a taste of what it’s like to live with MS.  Participants will return to the Lakeland College Gymnasium following their Walk for lunch and entertainment by Lloydminster’s own Canadian Idol, Earl Stevenson.

Organizers are reminding Walkers that the event goes regardless of weather conditions.  “While we’re crossing our fingers for sunshine, the weather is the one factor we can’t control,” says Green.  “It’s moving to see how dedicated Walkers are when it comes to braving the elements.  It’s the nature of people living with MS to fight through their symptoms on a daily basis, so truly, this is just another Walk in the park for them.”