Eyespy Radio hosted 2nd Green fun run for Mental Health.
Raising awareness about ways to address mental health inspired the "Green Fun Run" activity which took place over the weekend in Upolu.
More than 200 local residents turned out to run in the Green Fun Run 2021 on Friday 29th.
Registered runners lined up to start the race at 5pm.
The mastermind behind the initiative is the owner of Eyespy Radio Station afioga Su'a Jay Ah Fook.
The Eyespy radio hosted this annual event ‘Green Fun Run’ from its headquarter at Matautu to Mulinuu on Friday evening last week in support of Mental Health month.
The station owner, Su'a Jay Ah Fook, said that Eyespy radio jumped on board because they wanted to show their support and let the community know that they care. “From us here at Eyespy, we want make sure to talk about mental health throughout the whole year” Su’a added.
Eyespy Radio owner Su’a Jay Ah Fook
A participant, who joined the "Fun run" on Friday, spoke on the significance of such an activity.
"I congratulates to Eyespy for this great initiative. I did run and joined the awareness program because life and mental health is important and it's the most valuable asset a person has.
Seine To’ese added, "As a mother, I wouldn't want my son to go through these issues in the future.
"Therefore, we should all come together to raise awareness programmes about the issue. We need to have more than one run within a year to give encouragement and lead a better Samoa."
With the rise in technologies and access to social media, the representative from Logopuialii Youth believes we are in "difficult times."
"We are in tough times as social media and having access to technology is on the rise with the many changes happening before our eyes.
"This is why it is important that we share with our children, the impacts of these issues, and how it connects with suicide and mental health.
"Children can now have access to the internet, play violent video games, watch movies they are not allowed to watch, so children can easily pick up these things and can affect the way they see things and do things in life.
"For example, they become addicted to playing violent games and other games. It can lead to mental health and lead them to make wrong decisions."
Participants had a great time being together and supporting the great cause. “I loved coming out to support those involved and to help in this cause,” said parent/participant Alex Ma’ilo. “My family loved it and we ended up having a blast. My kids keep asking when we are going to do it again. It was fun to see all different ages come together for a good cause.”
Logopuialii Samoa Youth Organisation Advisor Fuimaono Josiah Sianava expressed appreciation publicly to all who participated in the event. “We could give you all medals!” Fuimaono said. “When you are running for mental health, everyone is a winner.”
Logopuialii Samoa Youth Organisation advisor Fuimaono Josiah Si’anava
A 45 year old Tusitala Faiga from the community who joined the run shared his views in an interview with Eyespy on phone. Mr Faiga said that organization and people are deal with these issues should look into both sides of mental and physical.
"If we concentrate only on the mental side, the question is, how do we keep the mind active? Which is why we believe we should look at programs such as exercising so we can keep our minds and body active.
"Once again, there is not enough awareness, therefore we have to create more awareness."he said
Therefore he believes it is vital that we educate our children and youths on the impacts these have on mental health.
However, Mr Faiga believes that collective effort is needed in addressing the problem.
"We have to work together to advise and raise awareness about the impacts of suicide, and how to deal with suicidal thoughts.
"At the end of the day, we need to educate our youths on ways they can do and how to deal with these problems especially mental health.
"Our children need to understand that there are people and organizations out there they can talk to when they are dealing with mental health."
"Everyone is unique and is entitled to their own opinions," Tusitala told Eyespy radio
"We each have our lows and highs sometimes, we give up and have to face a lot of pressure that may lead to suicide.
Mr Faiga believes that, for some reason, everyone has their own mental health issues but is not open to talking about it.
Participants in front of the Government building with the Minister of Police Hon Faualo Lefau Jefferey Schuster
Eyespy Radio welcomed anyone who wanted to join and to run.
More than 200 people showed up, a lot of people were interested, but they had other obligations so they couldn't make it.
Money raised from the fun run this year will be used by mental health charities like Goshen Trust Fund and organization focused on helping family and patients with their struggle charities to help promote their services with Eyespy Radio by their side.
Sua Jay Ah Fook again thanked all those who donated to the cause, supported, sponsored the event and helped to stage it.
Eyespy Radio are grateful to our kind sponsors Digicel, Pure Pacific Water, Haven Samoa, Ocean Club Maninoa Samoa, & SSAB APIA SAMOA for their generous and ongoing support for these community events.
The Eyespy radio will be hosting the ‘3rd Green Fun Run’ next year.