Running with Royalty events promote healthy, wellness lifestyle

March 2, 2018

Aaron J. Tohtsoni

Gila River Indian News

Miss Gila River Anissa Garcia hosted three events over President’s Day Weekend in one of her final acts before passing on her title.

Running with Royalty took place in the morning on Feb. 19, at the Mul-Chu-Tha Fairgrounds in District 3. Later in the day, Garcia hosted toka and songivu’l tournaments in District 4 at the Stotonic Ballpark.

“The turnout was good for the events hosted by myself, especially, with the type of day we were having with the weather,” said Garcia, referencing the windy, dusty, grey day.

The run and walk brought around 80 participants. Around 11 people took part in songivu’l and 10 teams competed in the toka tournament. The events were Garcia’s way of continuing to fulfill her platform she undertook when she accepted the title of Miss Gila River.

 “My platform for Miss Gila River was living a healthy lifestyle emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually and I felt these events fit that,” said Garcia. “I also play toka and felt it fit all of the areas.”