– Annual event aims to raise awareness for healthy living and drowning prevention –
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 8, 2017 – Building upon last year’s success, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast and the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA are pleased to announce their partnership for the 2017 Treadmill Tuesday Challenge. For the second consecutive year, the two associations will engage in a friendly competition to challenge Northeast Florida and Tampa Bay communities for the greatest distance traveled on a treadmill.
This free event, open to Y members and non-members, takes place March 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and encourages physical activity and healthy living among community members.
In addition, the First Coast YMCA will incorporate a drowning prevention initiative into this year’s Treadmill Tuesday Challenge, because teaching children how to swim is a critical necessity—especially in Florida. The Make Your Miles Matter initiative will raise awareness for the Y’s Safety Around Water program, which teaches children swim skills to reduce the risk of drowning while giving them confidence in and around water.
“Building a healthier, more active community is a goal embraced by all Ys across the country. Last year’s Treadmill Tuesday successfully generated statewide participation in physical activity that promoted a healthy lifestyle,” said Eric Mann, president and CEO of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. “We are glad to partner with the Tampa YMCA again this year and look forward to seeing more area residents take part in this one-of-a-kind challenge.”
Community members are invited to participate by completing a 30-minute treadmill workout at First Coast YMCA branches or by posting on social media. At First Coast YMCA facilities, staff will record the distance each participant walks, jogs or runs on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Distance will then be totaled by branch and then combined for each association. To join from other locations, participants should upload a photo of the treadmill dashboard summary displaying the total distance after the workout. Social media participants on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram should use #TreadmillTuesday and tag @FirstCoastYMCA.
“Research tells us that the health of a city is defined by the well-being of its citizens,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “I am excited that Jacksonville will once again participate in Treadmill Tuesday in a fun and friendly competition that encourages physical activity in our community. It is my commitment, as mayor, to support efforts like these that contribute to the health and well-being of residents throughout Jacksonville. I challenge our citizens to participate and help us defeat Tampa for the second year in a row!”
To rally for team Jacksonville, McDonald’s will partner with the First Coast YMCA to provide fruit and water to Treadmill Tuesday participants in area branches.
In 2015, more than 1,700 First Coast residents logged nearly 4,000 miles during Treadmill Tuesday. In 2016, nearly 1,750 First Coast residents completed 3,813 miles during the 12-hour event, surpassing Tampa Bay by 177 miles. Together, the First Coast YMCA and Tampa YMCA inspired community members to become more physically active and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Throughout the day-long event, First Coast YMCA branches will offer giveaways, chance-drawings and activities to further encourage participation. To learn more about the 2017 Treadmill Tuesday and what to look forward to at your neighborhood branch, visit FirstCoastYMCA.org.
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YMCA MEDIA CONTACT
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About the First Coast Y
For more than 100 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org.
About the Tampa Y
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading nonprofits, strengthening Hillsborough and East Pasco communities for more than 126 years, through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Association, 18 facilities engage more than 160,000 men, women and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Tampa Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.tampaymca.org
