Rotary, Lake Tahoe to host Walk to End Polio

Rotarians and the Lake Tahoe community are hosting a 3K Lake Tahoe Walk to End Polio from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

The walk starts in the back parking lot of Harvey’s and traverses a gentle stroll of 1.87 mile route suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The cost is $15 per person and includes a souvenir T-shirt to commemorate 30 years of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio in the world.

The Lake Tahoe Walk To End Polio is part of the Rotary District 5190 Conference that runs through May 17 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. The event brings more than 600 visitors to South Lake Tahoe.

Rotary District 5190 consists of 58 Rotary Clubs in Northern Nevada and Northeastern California spread out over 80,000 square miles. The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe are hosting the District 5190 Conference.

More than one million Rotarians have donated their time and money over the last 30 years to raise $1.3 billion to eradicate polio in the world. These efforts have been successful. Polio infection has been reduced by 99 percent since 1985. Rotarians have immunized more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. In 2014, there were only 370 confirmed cases of polio in three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The Lake Tahoe Walk To End Polio will help spread awareness the worldwide effort to eradicate this infectious disease is not complete and all countries remain at risk of outbreaks.

Rotary International is 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive and lasting change in our communities and the world. Members meet regularly and have a great time working on local and international projects. There are 16 Rotary Clubs in the Lake Tahoe, Carson, and Reno area. Please call Joe Zarachoff at 775-376-5002 for more information on joining your local Rotary Club.

To register for Saturday’s walk, go to tahoepoliowalk.com, or call Cheryl Zarachoff at 775-588-1142.