Walk to end Alzheimer’s – Join the ‘Memorable Steps’ virtual walk

World Alzheimer’s Month is celebrated globally in the month of September. Many awareness campaigns are conducted around the world. Since its incorporation, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) has conducted a walk annually for 17 consecutive years. 

Supported by many sponsors, this Walk has been a much looked forward to event. Rain or shine it has carried on regardless. Subsequently, a ‘Run to Remember’ too was organised over the last four years supported by the Hash House Harriers.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual walk and run in September had to be called off. However, not to be defeated, LAF partnered with ayubo.life health app and created a challenge which kicked off on 1 September for three weeks.  This is an exciting initiative that will encourage everyone to keep active and healthy by walking wherever they are. It will also be for a worthy cause: To raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias and challenge the stigma that prevents people seeking appropriate care. LAF has been in the forefront of challenging misconceptions around dementia and campaigning and helping hundreds of Sri Lankans deal with Alzheimer’s and other dementias through their services and dedicated group of volunteers.

So, what is a virtual walk one may ask? In this particular challenge participants need to complete 91,000 steps (which spans a distance of 74 kms) between 1 and 21 September. The virtual route identified is from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya. This does not mean that you have to actually walk that route, but you can start the walk whenever time permits. You can run, walk on the treadmill or anywhere, be it in your own home, rooftop; wherever! Or, you can jog in the park and or even work out in a gym. This app once downloaded, captures the steps from your smart phone, smart watch or fitness wearable.

All one has to do is to log on to https://memorablesteps.ayubo.life and register. A registration fee of Rs. 100 is required for locals and can be paid via ‘Dialog Mobile add to bill’ or credit card.

Any level of support is always welcome and a separate ‘Donate’ tab is also available. Since raising funds this year has been daunting, LAF embarked on this challenge with the hope that it will attract people from all walks of life and ages while also creating awareness on dementia.

Once you register yourself, download the ayubo.life app from an Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Enter your mobile number and verify. For overseas registrations, they have to select the country code again even though it appears, followed by their mobile number and the verification code 77888. This only applies for those who register from overseas.You have to follow the prompts and connect to Google Fit (Android) or Apple Health to capture steps. Go to the bottom of the page and click on “Discover.” Then click on Memorable Steps to enter the challenge. To feel the excitement of the Challenge and to know how you are faring, your steps and the leader board will be updated on the hour. What is more exciting is that while you walk, you can win many fabulous prizes like hotel stays, dinner vouchers, an exercise machine, gift vouchers and much more!

So put yourself to the test and take on the challenge; good luck!