For Immediate Release

Contact:        Sid Gillispie

                        (304) 636-4515

 

 

America on the Move/YMCA Walk towards healthier living - sEPTEMBER 23rd

 

(Elkins, WV, September 2006) On September 23rd, the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA will host a free “race walk”/fun walk as part of America on the Move Week at the YMCA – a nationwide movement that aims to encourage individuals and families to take small steps to incorporate healthier living into their daily routines. 

 

“YMCA’s across the country will be holding events throughout the week of September 23rd through 30th with the goal of logging one billion steps during this designated time period,” said Sid Gillispie, executive director of the Elkins YMCA. “We chose a walking event as our way to participate in this nation-wide event because it is a great activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.”

 

Participants can choose to walk in the event either competitively (they will be issued a race number and their time will be measured) or just for fun (casual walkers - don’t forget your pets) and can choose from distances of 1 mile, 5 km, or 5 miles. YMCA staff will calculate the number of steps taken by participants so that they can by included towards the national YMCA’s one-billion step goal.

 

Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Randolph County Housing Authority on US 219 (beside the Highlands Café). T-shirts and pedometers will be given to the first 35 registrants and light refreshments will be served. Trophies will be presented to the winning male and female competitive walkers in the three distances. Participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for the YMCA’s free walking club, the YMCA Centennial Walking Program.

 

America On the Move is a national non-profit organization with the mission of improving the quality of life – for individuals, families, communities and society.  PepsiCo and its SmartSpot brands are helping to support this effort as a national sponsor of YMCA Activate America and the National Presenting Sponsor of America On the Move.  This event is sponsored locally by Edward Jones and Davis Memorial Hospital.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.elkinsymca.org or call the YMCA at 636-4515.

 

The Elkins/Randolph County YMCA was established in 1908. The YMCA is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women, and children in the region through quality programs, classes, and activities.