The annual Governor's Fitness Awards serve as a platform for recognizing people, communities, events, organizations, and companies of all sizes that are committed to pursuing healthy and balanced lifestyles across Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. - March 9, 2020 - PRLog -- Presented by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor's Fitness Awards (GFA) recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthy and move more. Nominations from Michiganders began last fall, and earlier this year GFA finalists were selected by a panel of judges from across the state.

The finalists are:

Charles T. Kuntzleman Accepting the Challenge Award

Caleb Conklin, NewaygoLottie Ferguson, Mount MorrisJason Parks, HollandActive Community Award
City of KalamazooCity of Mackinac IslandCity of Traverse CityDirector's Champion of Health Award
Regina Hardy, DetroitJoAnn McCollum, YpsilantiBob Wilson, OkemosExtraordinary Organization Award
Operation Fit, Battle CreekProject Healthy Schools – University of Michigan, Ann ArborTeam GUTS, FerndaleHeath Star Award
Amy DiStefano, IraTameka Kelly, RedfordMatt Laura, JacksonHealthy Workplace Award
Large Workplace
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DetroitLacks Enterprises, Inc, KentwoodSpectrum Health Lakeland, St. JosephMedium Workplace
Bell's Brewery, GalesburgChem-Trend, HowellLansing Board of Water and Light, LansingSmall Workplace
44North, CadillacSturgis Fire and Police Departments, SturgisUpper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP), MarquetteOutstanding Event Award
Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games, FlintLivonia Parkrun, LivoniaMeijer State Games of Michigan, Grand RapidsPerennial Award
Brian and Dorie Barkey, FlintElizabeth Burt, Ann ArborFred Price, LivoniaVern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Kimberlydawn WisdomDr. Wisdom was appointed the nation's First State-level Surgeon General in 2003. In 2012, she was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. Since 1987, Dr. Wisdom has been on the faculty of University of Michigan (UM) Medical School's Department of Medical Education and adjunct professor in the UM School of Public Health. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity, Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer for Henry Ford Health System where she focuses on health disparities/health care equity, infant mortality/maternal and child health, chronic disease, unintended pregnancy, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and tobacco use.

"Each year, we look forward to introducing the GFA finalists to our fellow Michiganders," shares Amy Ghannam, President and CEO of Michigan Fitness Foundation. "By recognizing and sharing their extraordinary stories, they influence us all to have a renewed vigor to make healthier choices."

On April 23, Dr. Wisdom and GFA finalists will be recognized at a morning Legislative Reception at the State Capitol, and at an evening gala at the historic Gem Theatre in Downtown Detroit. The GFA gala is open to the public. Ticket proceeds from the gala support Michigan Fitness Foundation's mission to promote healthy eating, physical activity and more for millions of Michigan residents in every county throughout the year, including;
Statewide Nutrition and Physical Activity EducationSafe Routes to SchoolPure Michigan Fitness SeriesAll Children Exercise Simultaneously Day (ACES Day)Bike to School DayWalk to School DayLabor Day Mackinac Bridge RunMichigan Fitness Foundation supports and builds collaborative partnerships to improve the overall health of Michiganders where they live, learn, work, and play.

To learn more, purchase tickets or sponsor the awards, visit https://michiganfitness.org/events/governors-fitness-awards.

Contact
Mary McGuire
Communications Manager
***@michiganfitness.org

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