Shreveport Police Dept.
Date: May 06, 2008
Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933
Contact: Kacce Hargrave, Public Information Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fit for Life Weekend May 9 - 11
Robert “Super-Mann” Blount’s Fit for Life Inc. and the City of Shreveport announced today plans for Lee Haney’s Fit for Life Weekend Challenge, coming up this weekend, May 9-11.
What used to be Fit for Life Day in Shreveport-Bossier has exploded into an entire weekend of activities and events that focus on health and fitness at any age. It is a campaign endorsed by eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney, who wants to see Louisiana improve its overall health image in America.
“This event is different. It’s inclusive of the entire community. There are events for kids, as well as adults,” Haney said. “It encompasses every aspect of health and fitness. It drives home the important of exercise and fitness.”
Haney will be in town for the weekend’s events, as well as several other incredible athletes from around the country. This includes eight-time Mr. Olympia and Grambling alumnus Ronnie Coleman, 2007 Mr. Olympia runner-up Victor Martinez and former track and field Olympic Gold Medalist Jon Drummond.
Highlighting the weekend will be a number of high-profile events, including: a late luncheon Friday afternoon, at 1:30 p.m. at Eldorado Casino and Resort Ballroom, featuring a speech and autograph session with Lee Haney.
Fit for Life kickoff at the Louisiana Boardwalk Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. near the fountains. Events include the Body Building and Journalists Challenge Weigh-Ins, a Diaper Derby, Tricycle Race, live music and more.
A special invitation-only reception Friday night at the University Club, starting at 8 p.m. Lee Haney Body Building and Figure Competition, all day Saturday at Riverview Hall, with the final show at 7 p.m.
Hershey Track and Field Competition, the USA Junior Olympics and Skills Competition, and the Pitch, Hit and Run Competition beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Lee Hedges Stadium.
Hershey Track and Field autograph session with Olympic Gold Medalist Jon Drummond from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lee Hedges Stadium. Drummond is the spokesperson for the USA Track and Field and won medals in the US 4 x 100meter relay and the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.
Faith and Fitness worship service on Sunday at Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, 11 a.m. at 4725 Greenwood Road.
Fit for Life Day was started in May of 2004 to address serious health problems in Louisiana, including heart disease, cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
A record number of 26 sporting and fitness events are scheduled for Saturday. Some of the new events include:
· Fit for Life Journalists Challenge, which puts local reporters and photojournalists head-to-head in series of fitness contests. Starts at 9 a.m. at Riverview Hall.
· Cinco de Mayo ¿Quieres Bailar? Dance Competition, taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. at Festival Plaza.
· Therapeutic Adaptive Field Day, taking place at A.C. Steere Park.
· Safe Kids Day, beginning at 9 a.m. at Festival Plaza, focusing on swimming and bicycle safety, among other things.
· American Youth Sports Martial Arts Competition, beginning at 10 a.m. at Riverview Hall.
· Amateur Youth Boxing Competition, beginning at 9 a.m. at Municipal Auditorium.
· Red River Runners 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. around Lee Hedges Stadium.
· Tour de Goodwill run/bike event at 10 a.m. at LSUS.
Other activities include disc golf, skateboarding, softball, soccer, fencing, drill team, water aerobics and aquatic Pilates. See the Schedule of Events for the full listing of activities.
According to the United Health Foundation, in 2006 the state ranked 50th in the nation when it comes to community health. Louisiana has been in the bottom two states since 1990. “It ranks in the bottom five states on six of the 18 measures with a high prevalence of obesity, a high occupational fatalities rate, a high percentage of children in poverty, a high infant mortality rate, a high rate of cancer deaths and a high premature death rate,” stated a foundation articled called America’s Health Rankings ™ – 2006 Edition.
With the state of Louisiana’s health, Fit for Life Day is not an option, said Fit for Life Day Founder Robert “Super-Mann” Blount. “It’s a necessity that we bring about an awareness of fitness in this state. There are no more options here. This is a necessity.”
Citizens are encouraged to attend any of the Fit for Life Day activities, or create their own. For more information or to register to participate in any of the planned activities, visit the SPAR website at www.myspar.org ( http://www.myspar.org/ ). They may also call Fit for Life Founder Robert “Super-Mann” Blount at 347-2208 or Catherine Kennedy at 673-7892.
Information can be left with Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com.
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View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews
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