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Team Immokalee wins Rez Rally

From left to right, Team Immokalee’s Mary Lou Alvarado, Amy Yzaguirre, Juanita Martinez, Jaime Yzaguirre, Cecilia Pequeno and Amy Garza celebrate winning the sweetgrass basket trophy Jan. 4 at Rez Rally.
From left to right, Team Immokalee’s Mary Lou Alvarado, Amy Yzaguirre, Juanita Martinez, Jaime Yzaguirre, Cecilia Pequeno and Amy Garza celebrate winning the sweetgrass basket trophy Jan. 4 at Rez Rally. (Beverly Bidney)

IMMOKALEE — Despite chilly temperatures in the 50s, about 500 participants bundled up for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s annual Rez Rally, a 5K race which gives runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchairs from the tribal communities an active start for the new year. This year’s 25th anniversary edition was held Jan. 4 on the Immokalee Reservation.

“This is an event I consider a cornerstone of tribal gatherings because it supports exercise and diabetes health,” said President Holly Tiger, who ran and walked the 5K course. “Tribal Council has supported this for 25 years and we are still alive because of that support and the community’s participation.”

“I’m proud this happens every year because it helps our people,” said Brighton Councilman Larry Howard. “A lot of us suffer from diabetes and exercise is a tool to fight diabetes. At the end of the day, we are here for our health and nutrition. We have a lot of people who beat diabetes and extended their lives.”

Edna McDuffie, left, and Connie Whidden listen as former President Mitchell Cypress talks about the early days of the Rez Rally. The three of them and Patty Waldren began the Rez Rally 25 years ago.
Edna McDuffie, left, and Connie Whidden listen as former President Mitchell Cypress talks about the early days of the Rez Rally. The three of them and Patty Waldren began the Rez Rally 25 years ago. (Beverly Bidney)

Rez Rally was started by Edna McDuffie, Connie Whidden, Patty Waldron, who worked at the health department at the time, and Mitchell Cypress, who was chairman. Cypress said people tend to eat more and exercise less during the end of the year holidays.

“We do this to remind us to keep on exercising all year,” McDuffie said. “I watch what I eat and exercise and I haven’t gotten diabetes.”

Tribal members came from every reservation for the much-anticipated event and competed in every category and age group. There were runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchairs vying to place in the top
three spots. Michelle Ford, of Immokalee, has participated in every Rez Rally and pushed her brother Pete Aguilar in this one. Steve Osceola, of Hollywood, was proud to have made it the entire way around the course.

“I did the entire race and didn’t come in last,” he said. “I’m feeling good.”

Dr. Vandhana Kiswani, Health and Human Services executive director, congratulated everyone for completing the race and starting the year off on the right foot.

Rez Rally includes a competition for turnout among the reservations. Immokalee won the team participation percentage of the community trophy, which is a large sweetgrass basket made by Immokalee’s own Linda Beletso some years ago. Immokalee also won the championship trophy for most participants overall.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have Rez Rally here,” said Immokalee Council Liaison Jaime Yzaguirre. “It’s great to have other reservations visit us. I’m proud of our staff and everyone involved in making this event.”

Team Immokalee gathers with its trophies after winning Rez Rally in front of a large Rez Rally banner.
Team Immokalee gathers with its trophies after winning Rez Rally. (Beverly Bidney)
Jr. Miss Florida Violet Osceola wears her sash while competing in the run.
Jr. Miss Florida Violet Osceola wears her sash while competing in the run. (Beverly Bidney)
Cordey Jumper sprints to the finish line.
Cordey Jumper sprints to the finish line. (Beverly Bidney)
Beverly Bidney
Beverly Bidney has been a reporter and photographer for The Seminole Tribune since 2012. During her career, she has worked at various newspapers around the country including the Muskogee Phoenix in Oklahoma, Miami Herald, Associated Press, USA Today and other publications nationwide. A NAJA award winning journalist, she has covered just about everything over the years and is an advocate for a strong press. Contact her at beverlybidney@semtribe.com.
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