The Girl Guides Association of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines brought World Heart Day 2026 to life as more than 200 members, along with their friends, families, and supporters, came together for a walk and wellness event on Saturday 26th September 2026 under the theme “Heart & Sole: Walking Together, Living Stronger.”
World Heart Day 2026 was observed on September 29th 2026, focusing on the global campaign “Don’t Miss a Beat” led by the World Heart Federation. The main goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the world’s leading cause of death and claims over 20 million lives annually.
The event transformed a simple walk into a vibrant celebration of health, wellness, friendship, and community spirit, highlighting the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and prioritizing heart health. The morning began at the Girl Guides Headquarters in Level Gardens with an energetic warm-up session led by Kevin Young of KY Fitness.
Participants then embarked on a brisk 5K walk through Level Gardens, down McKie’s Hill, onto Murray’s Road, and along the Windward Highway, culminating at Sunset Shores Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Villa. Bimbims, Brownie Guides, Girl Guides, Ranger Guides, and Leaders sang rounds of Girl Guides chants and songs along the way to keep morale high.
At Sunset Shores, participants enjoyed a range of wellness activities designed to promote healthy living and encourage greater awareness of cardiovascular health. A health fair, facilitated by members of the nursing community, provided opportunities for basic health checks and wellness information. Dr. Michael Goodluck also delivered an informative presentation on heart health, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to protect and maintain overall well-being. The wellness experience continued with a healthy breakfast, complemented by refreshing fruits and beverages generously provided by Role Model Fruits and Tus-T Water.
The “Heart & Sole” committee expressed delight at the success of the event and look forward to next year’s event. The committee comprised of leaders Sylicia Lynch, Daneil Young, Michelle Knights, Ju’Lysa Toney, Wendy-Ann Douglas and Seraphina Howell. They noted that “throughout the event, the spirit of togetherness was evident in every step, smile, and shared experience, reinforcing the message that wellness is stronger when we pursue it together. Furthermore, the event was more than a celebration
of World Heart Day; it was a powerful reminder that every step toward a healthier lifestyle contributes to a healthier, happier, and stronger community.”
The Girl Guides Association of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines extends heartfelt appreciation to all leaders, parents, sponsors, volunteers, and well-wishers whose support helped make the event a success. The Association remains committed to empowering girls and young women to be confident, responsible citizens of the world.
