Churches from West Tennessee are invited to Participate and Compete for Prizes
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is presenting “The Healthy Church Challenge” a 100-day weight loss competition for churches in West Tennessee. The kick-off event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Southwest Tennessee Community College. The focus is on weight loss, healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.
Winners of the Challenge will receive prizes that will benefit their churches and health ministries. The grand prize is a $5,000 certificate for fitness equipment and nutritional counseling. There will also be an individual prize awarded to the person who loses the most weight overall.
Memphis and Shelby County has ranked in the bottom 10 percent of some studies as it relates to health, healthy eating, exercise, healthy living, life-altering disease management and prevention. The 100-day Healthy Church Challenge is designed to address these problems through area faith-based organizations and create a healthier place to live, work and play in Memphis, Shelby County and West Tennessee.
“We’re at a critical juncture in West Tennessee where so many lives are being affected because of their unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles,” said Calvin Anderson, senior vice president and chief of staff at BlueCross. “This is an opportunity for those who may be grappling with weight issues to join the challenge and lose those unwanted pounds.”
The 100-day Challenge will also include a range of ongoing activities to keep participants motivated to achieve their health goals:
- Kick-Off – 1st Weight-In Saturday, March 10
- Donna Richardson Joyner Exercise Session Saturday, March 24
- Weight-In Saturday, April 7
- Weight-In Saturday, May 5
- Weight-In Saturday, June 9
- Obesity Summit Saturday, June 16
- Finale Event/Walk at the Heritage Festival Sunday, June 17
Internationally renowned, fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner will participate in the Challenge as an inspirational motivator and coach.
Along with BlueCross, the “Challenge” is sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care, News Channel 3, Hallelujah 95.7 FM, Tri-State Defender, and the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival.
The Healthy Church Challenge is open to all churches in West Tennessee and limited to 100 participants per church.
For more information, call 901.278.0881 or visit Facebook.