With the success of the relay race activity during this year's Hundred Islands Festival celebration, the city government of Alaminos City, Pangasinan, is looking to turn the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) into a hub for eco-sports.
The Amazing Race Challenge event chair, Cloyd Peter Lalas, chairman of the Alaminos City Youth and Sports Development Office, stated that the goal of the event was to draw attention to the city's various tourism attractions, including the marine park, mangrove park, and luap park, and to promote the city as an eco-sports destination.
Over 30 people competed in the Amazing Race Challenge, which took place on March 15 of last year. In 2023, 438,619 tourists arrived in the city, generating around PHP44 million in tourism-related revenue for the area. Participants ran, kayaked, and hiked between islands in the HINP as well as to other popular tourist destinations in the city.
Move to fitness
Alaminos wants to highlight the value of sports, exercise, and outdoor space as part of their mission to become an eco-sports hub. These components are essential for enhancing a community's physical and mental health as well as its overall fitness and well-being.
This was embodied in the Amazing Race That began on Quezon Island, where student-athletes paddled to the finish line at the mangrove area by following directions.
Exercise causes the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers that lessen stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Time spent outside in the open air amplifies these benefits even more.
Engaging in pursuits like jogging or swimming, or even taking leisurely strolls such as in the HUNP, promotes muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and improved flexibility and mobility.
Fostering community engagement
Apart from their physical advantages, sports, exercise, and exposure to nature play a significant role in fostering mental health and alleviating stress in the community.
Exercise, outdoor activities, and sports are also essential for promoting environmental stewardship and community involvement. Residents and tourists may gather in public parks, recreation centers, and green areas such as HINP to socialize, and participate in physical activities.
