Carolyn Lai

Candidate for Regional Director

Rocky Mountain Region

My name is Carolyn Lai and I am running for Regional Director for the Rocky Mountain region. I envision the AVA to continue as a viable vehicle for international friendship, exercise and basic well-being for everyone. Why am I running for regional director? I enjoy the camaraderie and the exercise. Volkssporting should not be a temporary trend. It provides us with new places to explore and an equally important reason is the development of long lasting friendships.

The challenge facing the AVA is the same as it is for individual clubs. We struggle to maintain and to increase membership. How do we strive to continue to produce excitement about our program? Perhaps this was the reason why I started the bus trips so we can support each other.

I have been a volkssporter since August, 1989. I was invited to participate in a guided night walk event in downtown San Jose, CA. When I saw the long lines of walkers waiting to register for the walk, I was impressed. Without any knowledge of the AVA and its program, I said to the president of the South Bay Striders, “Whatever the cost, I’m in.” This was the excitement that motivated me to join.

I moved to Magna, Utah in October, 1990 and joined the Footloose Volkssport Club in January, 1991. I volunteered to be treasurer for the next four years and then became president and remain so to this day.

A couple of accomplishments worth noting were the bus trips and the Japanese walk across the U.S. in 2001. In October 1996 I planned a bus trip to help the Castle Country club (4th club in Utah) by supporting the YREs set up in Cedar City and St. George. Since then we have had a bus trip every year. So far we have walked in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona and California. A core group of members participate every year as well as visitors from other states.

2001 was challenging year because I volunteered the club to help the Japanese walk across Utah. We worked hard and had fun putting it together. The Japanese were impressed with the detailed directions and maps I outlined for their 4 day walk from Wyoming to Salt Lake City. One of the girls said. “This is the first time we are walking trails to the state capitol.”

My professional background included accounting, real estate, retail sales, and a short stint with the 2002 Winter Olympics. In education I have a bachelor degree in management and accounting. In 1997 I was the president of the Magna Chamber of Commerce (also a volunteer group). Major accomplishments included increasing membership and income by 20%. I attribute my organizational ability and attention to details to the NYC public school education and my business background.