In Holtville, a unique and bustling event took place as the ever-popular Mandalorian led a group of young people down East Sixth Street. The kids were on a mission to promote healthier habits, utilizing different modes of transport such as bikes, scooters, and rollerblades. This fun and energetic activity was in line with the National Bike and Roll to School Day, a nationwide event that schools can partake in during the month of May, culminating on the official day set for May 8.
The town of Holtville decided to embrace this event on Friday, May 3, where students and even adults showcased their favourite “Star Wars” attire, to celebrate “Star Wars” Day (May the Fourth). The man behind the Mandalorian’s mask, Holtville Fire Chief Alex Silva, was instrumental in instigating this tradition several years ago, where the event was integrated with the town’s “Star Wars” theme, as it was close to May 4, marked as “May the Force be with you” day.
Originating as a walking to school event, the celebration has evolved into a vibrant spectacle comprising various forms of transportation, all in the spirit of fun and health. Displaying meticulous attention to detail, Silva sported a custom-made Mandalorian helmet for his bike ride, crafted by his son. Embracing the “Star Wars” theme wholeheartedly, Silva expressed his love for the franchise and his enthusiasm for the annual tradition.
The Imperial County Sheriff Department contributed to the success of the event by ensuring the safety of the participants, with deputies providing assistance by controlling traffic during the ride. Silva’s fire crew was equally involved, fueling the enthusiasm of the children as they embarked on their energetic journey.
The event kicked off with a group warm-up session, led by Silva as he guided the students of Emmett S. Finley Elementary School. Positioned around the basketball court, the students gathered with their backpacks and bikes, eagerly awaiting the sequence of warm-up moves. The sight of the kids, lined up by grade, displayed a sense of unity and excitement, reminiscent of a group of adorable little Ewoks ready for an adventure.
Linda Serrano, a long-time parent and staff member at the elementary school, expressed her delight at being a part of the event for the first time. Standing alongside other parents, siblings, and school staff, she underscored the significance of the event in promoting exercise, safety, and bonding between parents and children.
The warm-up session was followed by energetic activities such as jumping jacks and full-body stretches, all accompanied by laughter and friendly banter from Silva. Marco Page, the principal of Finley Elementary, showed his support for the cause by participating in the warm-up session, emphasizing the event’s role in promoting health and wellness among the students. The school had diligently promoted the event through various channels, including distributing flyers and leveraging social media platforms.
In conclusion, the event in Holtville serves as a shining example of promoting health and wellness among young people, creating an enjoyable and uplifting environment that encourages physical activity and fosters a sense of community engagement. Through innovative and engaging initiatives such as this, the town of Holtville is taking significant strides in championing the cause of health and fitness among its residents.