Fontana Walks Program Encouraging Residents to Walk One Million Miles
Fontana, Ca., Grab your friends and join the Fontana Walks Program Community Challenge to walk two billion steps (or one million miles) over the course of one year. The program kickoff and first community three mile walk will be held Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 7 a.m. starting from Steelworkers’ Auditorium located at 8437 Sierra Avenue. The free citywide effort encourages residents of all ages to participate and focus on adding physical activity to daily routine.
All participants that show up on Saturday, August 19th and complete the 3 mile walk will receive a Healthy Fontana t-shirt, a pedometer and will be entered to a free opportunity drawing to win a $50 gift certificate for a new pair of walking or running shoes. Representatives from Fleet Feet Sports will be also available to talk with residents about proper footwear when embarking on a walking program. “Walking is not only good for your body, it is a great way to spend time with your family, run errands, and experience your neighborhoods, close up,” said Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren. “2 billion steps is a big number, but I am confident that the residents of Fontana are up for the challenge.”
The Healthy Fontana program will partner with various local organizations to provide educational presentations and raffle prizes throughout the year-long Fontana Walks Community Challenge. “The City of Fontana is thrilled to partner with America Walks! and other local businesses for such a worthwhile program”, stated Community Services Supervisor Tiffany Starks. “Throughout the year, residents will be encouraged to meeting their daily step target with monthly walks, a weekly updates via email and entries for monthly raffle prizes.”
The Fontana Walks Program hopes to address the high obesity rate in San Bernardino County. According to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, 72% of adults 18 years or older are overweight or obese compared to 62.5% of adults across the state. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Along with healthy eating, physical activity is one of the building blocks for healthy bodies and minds.
Walking is easy, free, and can pay big dividends on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Walking can be low impact on the body but have a high impact on one’s health. Whether residents walk on their own, in a group, or join in on a community walk with city leaders, every step counts toward meeting the community challenge.
Additional Information: For more information on how you can participate in Fontana Walks, contact Healthy Fontana at (909) 350-6542 or visit www.fontanawalks.org for event dates and times, monthly themes and more! Must be a Fontana resident to participate. Pre-register to reserve your spot today at www.fontanawalks.org.