SAN ANTONIO - When is the last time you and your family went out for a jog? Or walked the dog? This summer, San Antonio Sports is challenging 10,000 San Antonians to get moving in the first-ever Fit Family Challenge.
“San Antonio has some of the higher rates of adults with Type 2 diabetes and obesity in the nation,” said Susan Blackwood, San Antonio Sports Executive Director. “Nationally, obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents. In Bexar County, 25 percent of children are overweight. This is why the Fit Family Challenge is needed and needed now.”
The Fit Family Challenge is a four-month summer fitness program that runs through September 11, 2010. San Antonio Sports created the Fit Family Challenge to improve the health of San Antonio families through family friendly physical activity and good nutrition. The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation provided a grant for the first-ever family fitness challenge.
“The goal is to inspire 10,000 moms, dads, kids, grandparents, everyone to get active and moving,” said Jesse James Leija, World Boxing Champion and head coach of the Fit Family Challenge. “It’s easy to join. We ask families to exercise 30-60 minutes at least 6 days a week, make a commitment to eat healthier and to attend at least three Fit Family Challenge events.”
Some 3,000 people: children, parents, grandparents attended the official kickoff at Edgewood Independent School District’s Fine Arts Academy on Saturday, May 1. A parade traveled down Southwest 34th Street to the festival where booths, food, music and fitness activities were held.
Community leaders including San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, his brother State Representative Joaquin Castro, Police Chief William McManus, San Antonio Sports Executive Director Susan Blackwood, Edgewood I.S.D. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Garza and City Councilman District 5 David Medina along with school age dancers who performed the Fit Family Challenge Bailé joined Leija at the kick off event and press conference.
“We hope that getting fit and staying healthy will be a way of life for future generations”, said Dr. Elizabeth P. Garza, Edgewood I.S.D. Superintendent. “During the summer, our district will join others in the community to host activity programs for the whole family, from grandmother to grandchild.”
More than 350 families signed up at the kick off event. Families can join the Fit Family Challenge anytime. It’s free and families must attend at least three official Fit Family Challenge events for a chance to win grand prizes.
Visit www.FitFamilyChallenge.com for details about how to join and for a calendar of free events.
