For Immediate Release:
October 31, 2016
For More Information Contact:
Dellia Williams, Public Information Officer
Prince George's County Health Department
301-883-7835 / 240-417-8443
Ahmane’ Glover, Communications Specialist
Prince George’s County Health Department
301-883-7851
The Prince George’s County “Step it Up!” Family Fitness Club Finale at Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex Indoor Track/Outdoor Track
County wellness campaign tour created to encourage residents to exercise, eat healthy, and explore the County’s award winning parks completes a successful County-wide 28 week season at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 and Wednesday, November 16, 2016
LARGO, MARYLAND –Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, the Prince George’s County Health Department and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation conclude the Step it Up! Family Fitness Club’s walk/run series at the Indoor Track and Outdoor Track located at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 6:00pm and Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. These events are a part of a walking and running club campaign designed to encourage residents to commit to healthy eating and fitness activities at various parks, tracks and trails in Prince George’s County.
At the Step it Up! Family Fitness Club kick-off event (April 2016), Mr. Baker shared a personal story detailing his own journey in reigniting his fitness goals. Mr. Baker shared that:
One of the reasons I started running when I got into the office, is that it’s a lot of pressure going on, not just at home but at the office, I had picked up around 15 or 30 pounds, and Wayne Curry (Past County Executive, Prince George's County, 1994-2002) said, “Baker, man you look a mess! You picked up weight, you look stressed all the time, you’re not going to make it through your first term, you’re going to flat line.” That scared the day lights out of me. He (Mr. Curry) also said, “you need to start doing something for you, you need to start exercising.”
This encounter with Mr. Curry jumpstarted the County Executive’s personal fitness journey and inspired him to create the unique fitness experience of the Step it Up! Family Fitness Club campaign for the entire County.
The Step it Up! Family Fitness Club was held twice a month from May 2016 through November 2016. The goal of this fitness campaign has been to reduce the impact of chronic diseases that include Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, and other diseases. 67.6% of adults in Prince George’s County are classified as overweight or obese, and in response we are providing more opportunities to participate in physical activities throughout the County.
For more details concerning all campaign activities, visit http://tinyurl.com/PGCStepItUp2016.
WHAT:
Step it Up! Family Fitness Club
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
and Wednesday, November 16, 2016
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex
Indoor Track/Outdoor Track
8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785