Mayor challenges community to lose weight and get fit in 12-week event
North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor Jarrod Cantrell has issued a “Mayor’s Challenge” to North Fort Myers Chamber President John Gardner, to launch what he calls the “2009 NFM Weight Loss Wars.”
Both he and Gardner will assemble teams for the event. The weight loss challenge kicks off Friday, May 15, as a 12-week program.
“Anyone can participate and join either team,” said Cantrell. “I think we can help improve each other’s health and longevity with this challenge. We also want to make it a fun and exciting event and raise money for high school graduates.”
Pledge money for weight loss will go toward the chamber’s fund-raising efforts, specifically for the Educational Foundation to provide scholarships.
It’s Cantrell’s first proclamation as honorary mayor, one he believes will benefit the entire community.
“2009 is the year about getting in shape and getting healthy,” he stated in the proclamation.
“Our Honorary Mayor Jarrod Cantrell is the driving force behind this challenge and he is going to be actively participating,” said chamber board member Wendy Murray. “We lead hectic lives with busy work schedules and it’s very challenging to eat healthy and stay active.”
Individuals can join either The Mayor’s Team or the President’s Team for the challenge.
“We’re looking for residents and businesses to join us,” she added.
Private weigh-ins will be conducted every other week and the final weigh-in is Monday, Aug. 17, where one team will be declared the winner.
There will be plenty of incentives and offers through the 12-week program, and prizes will be awarded to both individuals and teams who lose the highest percentage of body weight. An award ceremony is currently being planned with a date to be announced.
There will be prizes for Most Percentage Lost for women and for men, the First To Lose 20 Pounds and for the person who gets the most pledges.
Mary Havener, public education officer for the North Fort Myers Fire District, will be the official judge and conducting the private weigh-ins.
“We want everyone in North Fort Myers to participate, whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose. Come get involved,” said Murray.
For information, call the chamber at 997-9111 for a pledge card. The first official weigh-in will be Friday, May 15.