Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness
The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness was established in March 2008 by Mayor Norm Archibald. It was formed to help build a healthier community.
COMING SOON Physical Fitness News October 7, 2008 - The U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced physical fitness guidelines for Americans. According to the HHS guidelines, adults gain substantial health benefits from two and a half hours a week of moderate aerobic physical activity, and children benefit from an hour or more of physical activity a day. Read more... Upcoming Events 8:30 a.m., November 27 (Thanksgiving): 2008 Turkey Trot The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness is the proud sponsor of the 2008 Turkey Trot's 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. The Abilene Runners Club puts on the event that also includes a 5K Run/Walk. Thr Turkey Trot is happening on Thanksgiving Day at Nelson Park Pavilion, Abilene Zoo, Abilene. Race Day Registration is from 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Race begins at 8:30 a.m. Click here for the entry form. For additional details about the Turkey Trot and the Abilene Runners Club, click here. Any time: Random Acts of Fitness If you're out walking or doing some form of physical activity in the community, you may become the recipient of a random act of fitness. Members of the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness are giving out free t-shirts at random to residents who are "caught in the act" of physical fitness. Next Meeting 4 p.m., December 10, 2008 in the Basement Conference Room at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. Out And About In The Community
On Saturday, October 11 during Downtown Dayz in downtown Abilene, the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness showed its support for "Hard Hats for Little Heads" in which 100-plus bicycle helmets for children were given away. The event was sponsored by the Taylor-Jones-Haskell Co. Medical Alliance.
On September 6, 2008, Mayor Norm Archibald, members of the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness and friends walked in the West Texas Fair & Rodeo Parade, sharing their fitness message with parade goers. Watch for a Public Service Announcement on local TV stations and Suddenlink cable about the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness. News Releases November 25, 2008 Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness awarded second phase of state grant ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald announced today that the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is the recipient of a $56,000 state grant from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The second phase of the grant will go toward the Council’s community-wide awareness campaign to enhance access to and awareness of opportunities for physical activity within Abilene. “This additional funding will allow the Mayor’s Council to promote awareness of wellness and fitness opportunities in Abilene,” Mayor Archibald noted. “These activities will include the creation of a website at www.myfitnessabilene.com that will serve as a clearinghouse for all local fitness activities; working with the school districts, hospitals and other organizations to increase the availability of health and fitness information as well as emphasizing physical activity to students, patients and clients; and continuing to sponsor and co-sponsor fitness-related events in the community.” In June 2008, the Mayor’s Council was awarded $24,000 in the grant’s first phase which was applied to the development of community wellness and fitness programs as well as to conduct a community fitness resource and needs assessment. Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council are: Liz Rotenberry (Chair), Tanya Brice, Lisa Duncan, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Chris Kyker, Dr. Ralph McClesky, Dr. Dan Munton, Dennis O’Connell, Pug Parris, Marka Riddle, Greg Ruffin, Deonna Shake and Karen Stover. The Mayor established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008. August 22, 2008 All invited to take part in "Abilene on the Move" day ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is inviting everyone in the community to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle by participating in “Abilene on the Move” day. September 10, 2008 is a day for families, individuals, businesses and schools to step out and join their fellow Abilenians in an activity that gets people moving. Make September STEPtember by:
Schools and businesses are encouraged to organize an activity. Some fun examples:
These are just a few ways residents can participate in “Abilene on the Move” day. Businesses and schools can tailor this Abilene-wide event to suit their organization. For more information about “Abilene on the Move” day, contact Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness members Karen Stover at 677-1444, ext. 2052 or Deonna Shake at 674-2016 or 691-5009. July 25, 2008 The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness seeks your input ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is currently conducting an online survey to assess the physical fitness needs of Abilenians. Citizens are encouraged to take a few minutes to participate in the brief Abilene Fitness Survey. The Mayor’s Council wants to hear from residents who are involved in any type of physical activity, whether it’s a formal gathering or a group of friends who get together each week to walk. The Mayor’s Council also wants to know what could be done to spur more participation in fitness activities. The survey can be found at www.fitnessabilene.com or on the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com under General Information. The survey will run through early August. Survey results will assist the Mayor’s Council in making educated decisions concerning the development of community wellness and fitness programs. Mayor Norm Archibald established the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008. June 9, 2008 State grant awarded to Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald announced today that the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is the recipient of a $24,000 grant from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The grant will go toward the Council’s development of community wellness and fitness programs as well as to conduct a community fitness resource and needs assessment. “This grant will aid us in determining Abilene’s fitness needs for the young and young at heart”, Mayor Archibald explained. “It’s the first step in implementing a community-wide physical fitness awareness campaign.” Mayor Archibald appointed the following citizens to the Council: Lisa Duncan, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Chris Kyker, Dr. Ralph McClesky, Tommy Morris, Dr. Dan Munton, Dennis O’Connell, Pug Parris, Marka Riddle, Liz Rotenberry, Deonna Shake and Karen Stover. The Mayor established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008. March 26, 2008 Abilene’s mayor urges community to shape up this spring ABILENE, Texas – Inspired by the National President’s Challenge, Mayor Norm Archibald is challenging Abilene citizens to get moving this spring. The National President’s Challenge is a 6-week physical activity challenge in which youth age 6-17 are urged to get at least 60 minutes of activity, five days a week while adults are called on to get at least 30 minutes of activity, five days a week. Mayor Archibald said citizens can meet this challenge by doing something as simple as walking. Mayor Archibald explained, “I’d like to see residents of all ages do their own version of the National President’s Challenge. It’s about helping people get fit and healthier while doing activities they enjoy which echoes the goals of the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.” While getting 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day may seem far reaching, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness has a few fun, easy suggestions for adults and children: Adults: Kids: Walk on your lunch break Jump rope Go bowling Fly a kite Take the dog for a walk Toss a Frisbee Garden Ride your bike Take ballroom dancing Go on a nature hike Mayor Archibald recently created the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness which is designed to help build a healthier community. |

