Join Neighbors and Friends For A Healthy Stroll To Lake Merritt Celebrating Health, Peace and Life, Saturday, July 23, 11am
(PRWEB) June 17, 2005 -- On Saturday, July 23, the Oakland community will commit to increase their exercise regime and celebrate it's 1st Annual Walk Oakland for Life campaign kick-off with a healthy stroll to Lake Merritt.
Those interested in joining in the fun are encouraged to register today at www.walkoakland.org and meet on Saturday July 23rd, 11am at either one of four locations to include: Verdese Carter Middle School, DeFremery Park, Crocker Highlands Elementary School or San Antonio Park, and then walk to the final destination at Lake Merritts Lakeside Park.
In Oakland, as throughout the country, our population is faced with rising health problems related to obesity and lack of exercise. To reverse this trend, Healthy Oakland, Inc., a West Oakland community-based organization has teamed up with the offices of Oakland Councilmember Nancy Nadel and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson to develop an initiative to get people walking in Oakland, hence Walk Oakland For Life."
"Regular walking provides great, lasting health benefits. It can help reduce health risks, and make our neighborhoods safer by having more eyes on the street. Our overall goal is to create a strong and healthier community," expresses Councilmember Nancy Nadel, who represents the West Oakland district.
Additionally, walkers will be on the hunt for 12 hidden "Walk Oakland Golden Shoes" placed throughout the park trails for them to discover and win prizes.
Walkers will also be encouraged to sign-up for the One Million Steps Challenge. All pre-registered walkers will receive a free pedometer to monitor their daily steps. Participants who walk one million steps by October 31st, 2005 will get a special gift pack and be entered to win airline tickets for two.
The mission of the Walk Oakland...For Life campaign is to encourage residents to incorporate walking into their daily lives by connecting with existing health walk programs, creating their own walking clubs with family and friends, as well as to educating neighbors on the benefits of walking for their health and public safety.
The 1st Annual Oakland Walk organizers and supporters include the City of Oakland, Alameda County and Healthy Oakland, Inc, James A. Watson Wellness Center, Bay Area African American Health Initiative, Bay Area Consortium for Quality Health Care, IM Eco Village, Oakland Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils, Kaiser Permanente, Abbott Laboratories, BET Foundation, Clear Channel radio, Club One, 24 Hour Fitness, Bally's Fitness, Bay Area United Fund, and many more.
To sign-up call Healthy Oakland at 510.444.9655, visit www.walkoakland.org.
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