For Immediate Release
August 21, 2000
Local Fitness Council to be
Established in Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Health Department is in the process of developing a Local Fitness Council. The project is an effort to increase the physical activity levels of all county residents, thereby improving their health.
The council, comprised of fitness and health professionals and citizens, will work together to raise awareness of and advocate for physical activity. A major role of the council will be to increase support and opportunities for physical activity in the community, within and across institutions, organizations, and businesses.
The Cumberland County Local Fitness Council will support the goals and activities of the North Carolina Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, which is working toward establishing similar councils in every county in the state.
Cathy Thomas, Executive Director of the NC Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, will address the group at the initial meeting being held September 7, 2000, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Thomas explains that county level agencies that promote physical activity and health will gain strength by combining their efforts through a local fitness council.
"The intent is to create a local council, as Cumberland County is doing, that brings health and fitness professionals together to discuss the needs of the community and to promote physical activity at the local level," Thomas said. "Programs developed by the Cumberland County Local Fitness Council will be part of a comprehensive strategy to improve citizen's quality of life by promoting healthier lifestyles. Such programs may be aimed at community organizations, faith organizations, schools, and/or worksites and can address all age groups."
Representatives from the following areas have agreed to assist in forming the council: local government, county schools, health care, commercial fitness organizations, faith organizations, volunteer agencies, the military, local institutions of higher learning, and community members.
For more information you can contact Renita Vega at the Cumberland County Health Department (433-3894) or Tonya Harris-Council at the Cumberland County Public Information Office (437-1921).