DATE: February 6, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, more than 14.4 percent of the children living in Florida are obese. In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 16 percent of children fall into the obese category. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the television, computer, or playing video games. Never before has commitment to a fitness program and healthy lifestyle been more important.
In September 2006, under the leadership of Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, the School Board of Broward County partnered with the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division to launch a new fitness program, Commit 2B Fit™ - It Starts in Parks, to encourage people of all ages to get active.
"Broward County was one of the first in the United States to implement this fitness program in county parks," said Commissioner Jacobs. "When the School Board approached me with the idea, I thought marrying the two concepts was an ideal way to promote a physical fitness campaign and the many programs and services available in Broward's award winning park system. It's been a great success."
On Tuesday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m., Commissioner Jacobs will honor the Commit 2B Fit program with a proclamation designating that day as "Commit 2B Fit Appreciation Day" in Broward County.
Special guest, Derick Delphin, a fifth grade student from Castle Hill Elementary in Lauderhill who has been enrolled in the Commit 2B Fit program for three years, will talk about how the program has made a difference in his life.
The purpose of the Commit 2B Fit Community Program is to recognize communities that are committed to creating and maintaining an environment supportive of active living and healthy eating. A community that is making this commitment is providing opportunities for physical activity to people who live, work and play within the community. These opportunities allow people to make the choice to be more physically active. Physical activity improves nearly every aspect of a person's health. Therefore, the Commit 2B Fit Community Program will contribute to improving the health of people in the community.
Learn About Commit 2B Fit - It Starts in Parks
|