Wednesday, April 13, 2011
UMES’ Exercise Science Club is coordinating the launch of the first “President’s Challenge Hawk Walk” on Saturday, April 30, to promote health and wellness in the community.
The 2.5-mile-walk starts at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center at 9:30 a.m. and ends at the field by University Terrace on campus around 2 p.m. Participants can check-in from 8 – 9 a.m.
“There is no cost to register,” said Beatrice Nelson, a lecturer in the Department of Exercise Science and Athletics. “We just want to encourage our campus and community to start moving a little more each day. It will make a difference.”
President Thelma B. Thompson is scheduled to cut the ribbon at the start of the walk, which is made possible through the support of local community leaders, area businesses and the campus community.
The event – themed “Exercising the Minds and Bodies of the Future” – will feature healthy food samples, T-shirts, water bottles, and care packages with lifestyle tips for participants, Nelson said.
Richard Warren, president of the UMES Exercise Science Club, said the “Hawk Walk” was organized following research into the health of area residents.
“After reviewing the findings, we knew we needed to promote health and wellness within the community,” the UMES senior said. “We also need to inform the community about various initiatives that they can take to stay active and become physically fit.”
Nelson noted that students enrolled in “EXSC 200: Introduction Class” also have had a role in planning the event.
“Somerset County is a rural area, where health disparities are common in all segments of this population,” Warren said. “It’s important for individuals in the community to take control of their health. Changes take time, but if we can take steps toward improving our health and wellness, we will be able to live longer and possibly prevent chronic diseases.”
Call 410-651-7763 or e-mail banelson@umes.edu for more information.
