03/12/2026
Press Release – South Florida Chapter, Nepalese Association of Florida (NAF)
March 5, 2026
The South Florida Chapter of the Nepalese Association of Florida (NAF) organized a 5K Run/Walk and Color Celebration for the community on March 1, 2026, at John Prince Park’s Eric Hall Pavilion in Lake Worth, Florida. The event focused on promoting well-being, healthy living, and celebrating the spirit of colors while bringing the community together. The 5K Run/Walk was organized to encourage a healthy lifestyle while strengthening connections within the community. Although it was the first time this team organized such an event, it was successfully completed without any major issues and with strong participation and support.
The event was generously sponsored by members of our own community and attended by numerous families, making it a truly unique and joyful celebration. More than 140+ participants, ranging in age from 4 to 82 years, took part in the event, making it a wonderful gathering of community, fitness, and fun.
Before the start of the program, NAF South Florida Chapter President Mr. Chet Joshi welcomed the participants and thanked the community members and volunteers who supported the event. The run began at 10:50 AM and continued until around 12:00 PM.
In the men’s category, 13-year-old Gavin Sthapit finished first with an impressive time of 24 minutes, followed by local community member Mr. Manoj Joshi, and Mr. Deepak Adhikari finishing third. In the women’s category, Dr. Sakun Shrestha finished in first place. Mrs. Renu Ligal and Mrs. Rogina Shrestha tied for second place, and Mrs. Relina Sthapit finished third.
During the event, we had initially announced Mrs. Rogina Shrestha as second place and Mrs. Renu Ligal as third. However, after reviewing the video footage, we discovered that both Mrs. Rogina and Mrs. Renu crossed the finish line together.
Besides that Mr. Joshi also awarded medal for kids under 10 who participated in the event. At the finish line, runners and walkers celebrated their completion of the 5K with a joyful color celebration, as volunteers tossed colors into the air, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing many young participants sign up and complete their very first 5K. Families, adults, and children all joined in the celebration with music playing in the background and colors filling the sky. In addition to the run, local community leader Mr. Krishna Shrestha organized a fun wooden plank game, which attracted enthusiastic participation from many attendees.
At the end of the event, the organizing team expressed sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, volunteers, and community members who helped make the event possible.
Special thanks to our Gold Sponsor Mr. Bijay Shrestha (NEPA Wholesale) and to our generous supporters Mr. Santosh Sthapit (The Keyes), Mr. Deepak Adhikari, Mr. Dinesh Khatiwada, Mr. Aashish Basistha, Dr. Manoj Bhattarai and Mrs. Raksha Ojha.
We would also like to thank our dedicated volunteers: Mrs. Abhigya Neupane, Ms. Saesha Neupane, Mr. Dev Bhandary, Ms. Riya Pokhrel, Mr. Prajib Shakya, Mr. Deepesh Kandel, Mr. Rajan Raymajhi, Mrs. Sujana Kafley, Mr. Vikiran Kafley, Mrs. Samata Raymajhi, Mr. Bhisma Thapa, Mrs. Leena Basnyet, Mr. Pravin Basnyet, Mr. Gaurav Shrestha, Mrs. Ameena Shrestha, Mrs. Sarita Basnet, Ms. Palasha Shakya, Joon Kandel and Ms. Shivanshi Raymajhi and Shyam Giri.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to NAF Central Committee members: Mr. Binod Basnet (President, NAF), Mrs. Priti Bhandary (Vice President, NAF), and Dr. Niraj Shrestha (Immediate Past President and Advisor for NAF Central and South Florida Chapter). The program was successfully coordinated under the leadership of Mr. Joshi, with the dedicated support of the South Florida Chapter team: Mrs. Ashma Bajracharya (Treasurer), Mrs. Richa Sharma Kandel (Information Secretary). Their collective effort and commitment played a key role in making the event a success. We also thank Mr. Bimal Nepal for arranging breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts, and Mr. Suman Subedi and Mr. Prabesh Pandey for arranging lunch from Zeera Restaurant. We also want to thank Kevin Jhinoo and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department for their help to provide the venue.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to all participants who came and made this event a great success. Your enthusiasm and participation brought energy and joy to the day. When the community comes together, every moment becomes meaningful—and this event was a wonderful example of that. If you need more information about this program please contact [email protected].
