DURYEA — The Duryea Betterment Committee hopes borough residents will recognize the importance of physical activity during the first “Get Moving Duryea” day.
The event, sponsored by the committee, features various organizations hosting activities throughout the borough to keep people moving and staying active for one day.
Lois Komensky, committee member, said the event goes hand-in-hand with the committee’s mission to promote the borough.
“This particular event we’re hitting on activities that are available in Duryea and all over,” she said. “There’s something for everyone to show and highlight the activities available in Duryea.”
The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2.
Events throughout the day include a basketball shooting contest, yoga, kung fu, tai chi and crossfit.
Rothrock’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi will hold demonstrations at 1 p.m. at Crossin Towers and at 3 p.m. in Stephenson Street Park.
Alan Pesotine, instructor for the martial arts school, said he was contacted by Komensky about participating in the event and knew he couldn’t turn it down.
The tai chi demonstration at Crossin Towers, he said, is something he hopes senior residents can participate in.
“It’s a low impact, slow motion exercise,” he said. “They’re going to work on balancing, leg strengthening, flexibility, just to help. One of the main things is they’re concerned about falling… it happens. If you don’t take care of yourself, there’s a price to pay later.”
Also getting involved in the event is Duryea Cub Scouts Pack 375 which will host a gutter regatta at Stephenson Street Park.
According to pack leader Michael Adonizio, a gutter regatta is two rain gutters side-by-side filled with water and participants will race regatta boats by blowing on the sail.
Adonizio said the event is for the younger members in the community.
“It’s more about getting the youth out and getting them involved in the community,” he said. “It’s about seeing what else is out there rather than just sitting behind a computer and playing on electronics.”
There will be 20 boats provided for the event and participants can choose their boat.
Holy Rosary School is also participating with a basketball shooting contest at Healey Park.
“Basketball is one of our main sports at the school,” said Stephanie Shupp, a member of the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization. “It’s really a way to get our students involved in the community and give back to the community, and bring some kids out to play.”
In the case of rain, the outdoor events will be rescheduled to a date to be determined, Komensky said.
Some events will require an admission fee with proceeds going towards the organization hosting the event.
Komensky hopes for a large turnout and plans to participate in some events herself.
“I’m looking forward to the tai chi,” she said. “I think the tai chi and the yoga are age related to me.”
