Spider-Man, Captain America, and Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” visited the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Way of Life Facility to promote healthy lifestyle. 

The “Happily Ever After” Magic Kingdom-themed Journey to Wellness event was a collaboration between the WOLF and Diabetes Prevention Services. The January 11 event featured vendor booths from many Salt River departments and programs. 

The event began with a fun run where SRPMIC families could choose distances of 1, 2 or 5 miles. Participants received a free water bottle after completing registration, and Diabetes Prevention staff provided free water and snacks. 

SRPMIC Senior Fitness Specialist Dion Begay led families in a group exercise. “Let’s get warmed up and start moving around,” he said. While Begay demonstrated correct stretching form, Spider-Man and Captain America encouraged fun run participants with high-fives and hugs at the starting line.

The fun run course began on Indian School Road and continued north on Center Street before turning around just past Highland Avenue. The Salt River Police Department showcased their own kind of superpowers by ensuring participant safety and maintaining traffic control. 

At the WOLF’s finish line waited an energetic Spider-Man, who congratulated Community kiddos and directed everyone to the baseball field where Magic Kingdom-themed stations were set up to promote healthy lifestyles.

Families received a stamp in their event passport as they visited vendor booths; completed passports were entered into a raffle to win prizes. The wellness event also featured yoga, belly dancing, an obstacle course, face painting and more.

As the event ended, participants left knowing it’s important for both superheroes and civilians to take care of their health.

For more information about Diabetes Prevention Services and their upcoming events, call (480) 362-7328 or email diabetespreventionservices@srpmic-nsn.gov.